Common Meter (8.6.8.6) with refrain

A hymn's meter counts the syllables in each line of a stanza. Common Meter (8.6.8.6) with refrain means each stanza has 4 lines of 8, 6, 8 and 6 syllables — 28 in all, followed by a refrain with its own pattern. 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.