Hymn meter
8.7.8.7
A hymn's meter counts the syllables in each line of a stanza. 8.7.8.7 means each stanza has 4 lines of 8, 7, 8 and 7 syllables — 30 in all. Hymnals print the meter beside each text so that a congregation can sing the words to any tune with the same pattern.
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.
Try any pairing
Pick the words, then choose a tune from the list in the player.
Loading the words…
Tunes in 8.7.8.7
27 hymns in 8.7.8.7
- In the Cross of Christ — In the cross of Christ I glory,
- Jesus Calls Us, O'er the Tumult — Jesus calls us, o'er the tumult
- There's a Wideness in God's Mercy — There's a wideness in God's mercy,
- Sweet the Moments — Sweet the moments, rich in blessing,
- Come, Thou long expected Jesus — Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,
- God Is Love — God is Love: His mercy brightens
- The Incarnation — Hark, what mean those holy voices
- The King of Love My Shepherd Is — The King of love my Shepherd is,
- May the Grace of Christ Our Savior — May the grace of Christ our Saviour,
- Gently Lord, O Gently Lead Us — Gently, Lord, oh, gently lead us.
- Jesus, Tender Shepherd, Hear Me — Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me;
- Savior, Who Thy flock art feeding — Ssvior, who Thy flock art feeding
- The True Light — Light of those whose dreary dwelling
- Mighty God, While Angels Bless Thee — Mighty God, while angels bless Thee,
- God of Our Salvation — Praise to thee, thou great Creator!
- Tarry With Me — Tarry with me, O my Savior!
- Father, Hear the Prayer We Offer — Father, hear the prayer we offer!
- Mercy, O Thou Son of David — "Mercy, O Thou Son of David!"
- Save, O Save Me — Take my heart, O Father! take it;
- Lord, Dismiss Us With Thy Blessing — Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing;
- Jesus, Full of All Compassion — Jesus, full of all compassion,
- Hark! a Thrilling Voice Is Sounding — Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding:
- Pardon Implored For National Sins — Dread Jehovah, God of nature,
- Bereavement and Resignation — Jesus, while our hearts are bleeding
- God, My King, Thy Might Confessing — God, my King, Thy might confessing,
- Crown His Head — Crown His head with endless blessing,
- Onward, Christian! though the region