Hymn meter
Common Meter Double (8.6.8.6 D)
A hymn's meter counts the syllables in each line of a stanza. Common Meter Double (8.6.8.6 D) means each stanza has 8 lines of 8, 6, 8, 6, 8, 6, 8 and 6 syllables — 56 in all. Hymnals print the meter beside each text so that a congregation can sing the words to any tune with the same pattern.
Common Meter is the old English ballad measure: lines of eight and six syllables, alternating, usually with a da-DUM (iambic) rhythm. It is the most used meter in English hymnody — Isaac Watts wrote most of his psalms and hymns in it — which is why a Common Meter text can be sung to dozens of tunes. “Amazing Grace”, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” and “Joy to the World” all fit it.
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 Common Meter Double (8.6.8.6 D)
12 hymns in Common Meter Double (8.6.8.6 D)
- I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say — I heard the voice of Jesus say,
- It Came Upon the Midnight Clear — It came upon the midnight clear,
- O Little Town of Bethlehem — O little town of Bethlehem!
- The Son of God goes forth to war — The Son of God goes forth to war,
- I sing th'almighty power of God — I sing th' almighty pow'r of God,
- Come, Let Us Join Our Friends Above — Come, let us join our friends above,
- The Half Has Never Yet Been Told — I know I love Thee better, Lord,
- The Shadows of the Evening Hours — The shadows of the evening hours
- Thine Arm, O Lord, in Days of Old — Thine arm, O Lord, in days of old,
- Thy Word Is Like a Garden, Lord — Thy Word is like a garden, Lord,
- I've Found the Pearl of Greatest Price! — I've found the pearl of greatest price!
- The roseate hues of early dawn — The roseate hues of early dawn,