So how do people get on with the very long traditional ballads that can have upwards of 30 verses? In Scotland, we call them “The Muckle Sangs”, but there are others within the English, Irish and Welsh canons. They are much loved and revered by a good number of people and often feature in the various traditional singing festivals, much of the the singing being a Capella, so no middle eights, instrumental breaks, etc.
Do people really follow the lengthy story, or are they just hanging on for the next chorus or refrain when they get a chance to sing a few words themselves? I can admit to having lost the will to live during some of them, but as others have said, that may have more to do with the delivery and how well the singer puts the song across.
But I am full of admiration for those who can learn such long songs, and keep us rapt while they do!