What is the theme for poem Barbra Allan?

The theme of the ballad "Barbara Allen" is the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The poem tells the story of a young woman named Barbara Allen who rejects the advances of a young man named William. William dies of grief, and Barbara dies shortly after, realizing the depth of her loss. The theme of the poem is emphasized by the use of repetition, particularly in the refrain "in prime of life was William doomed to die." This refrain serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the fact that death can strike at any time, even in the midst of youth and vitality. The poem also explores the idea of love and the consequences of rejecting love, suggesting that true love is a precious gift that should not be taken for granted.