Why can a ballad refrain contain nonsense syllables or unrelated images?

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ballad Detail of an undated broadside ballad distributed in Boston following the execution of Levi Ames for burglary and intended to warn “thoughtless Youth.”

In the context of a ballad, the inclusion of nonsense syllables or unrelated images in a refrain is a direct concession to the song's musical dimension.1

Because ballads are primarily oral performances, the music requires lyrical flourishes that may not necessarily align with the narrative's emotional tone or content. These refrains—which can range from nonsensical sounds like "Fa la la la" to irrelevant rigmaroles involving flowers or herbs—serve to satisfy the rhythmic and melodic demands of the music rather than to advance the story. While these elements may appear ridiculous in written form, they provide an appealing, incantatory effect during live performance.1