Actually, they're called ballads. Here's a few from my selection.

Ewan MacColl. Clyde's Water.
Dillard Chandler. Matty Groves.
Elizabeth Cronin. Lord Gregory.
Sheila Stewart. Andrew Lammie.
Clarence Ashley. The House Carpenter.
Woody Guthrie. Buffalo Skinners.
Betsy Whyte. Young Johnston.
Basil May. The Lady of Carlisle.
The Cherry Tree Carol. Jean Ritchie.
Hedy West. The Wife of Ushers Well.

Absolutely brilliant, every last one of them.