ballad

A ballad is a simple song/narrative poem concentrated on a sentimental or romantic character. It is important to remember that ballads usually have a long dialogue.

It is often composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas). The rhyming pattern is either ABAC, AABB or ACBC, and rhythm is also important. The lines are composed of 6 or 8 syllables. The poem often uses I, as if the author is talking to someone.

source: http://www.uulyrics.com/music/barry-manilow/