Ballad n. : A popular kind of narrative poem, adapted for recitation or singing; as, the ballad of Chevy Chase; esp., a sentimental or romantic poem in short stanzas.

Ballad v. i. : To make or sing ballads.

Ballad v. t. : To make mention of in ballads.

Example:
What is a good Ballad to sing for a musical theatre college audition?

Taxonomy
ballads, songs, broadside ballads, love song, traditional ballads, nineteenth century, eighteenth century, Music, Cambridge University Press, power ballad, Blues ballads, bush ballads, stanzas, ballad opera, Seventeenth-Century England, free encyclopedia, ballad operas, sentimental ballads.

Defination from the web:
ballad probably derives its name from medieval French dance songs or ballares' (from which we also get ballet), as did the alternative rival ... The traditional, classical or popular (meaning of the people) ballad has been seen as originating with the wandering minstrels of late medieval ...