Hymn meter
6.5.6.5 D
A hymn's meter counts the syllables in each line of a stanza. 6.5.6.5 D means each stanza has 8 lines of 6, 5, 6, 5, 6, 5, 6 and 5 syllables — 44 in all. Hymnals print the meter beside each text so that a congregation can sing the words to any tune with the same pattern.
The “D” means the pattern is doubled: an eight-line stanza made of two 4-line halves. Hymns in less common meters usually have one or two tunes written for them, so they are matched to a tune more strictly. Two texts with the same numbers can still differ in rhythm — some lines stress the first syllable, others the second — so a pairing should always be sung through before it is used in worship.
Below are the hymns in our library written in this meter and the public-domain tunes that fit them. Any text can be sung to any tune listed here; press play to hear a pairing.
10 hymns in 6.5.6.5 D
- In the Hour of Trial — In the hour of trial,
- Take Time to Be Holy — Take time to be holy, Speak oft with thy Lord;
- Savior, Blessed Savior — Saviour, blessed Saviour,
- Christian! Dost Thou See Them — Christian, dost thou see them
- At the Name of Jesus
- Golden Harps Are Sounding — Golden harps are sounding,
- Summer Suns Are Glowing — Summer suns are glowing
- Glory Be to Jesus — Glory be to Jesus,
- On Our Way Rejoicing — On our way rejoicing, As we homeward move,
- Come Hither, Ye Faithful — Come hither, ye faithful, triumphantly sing: