What are meters?
Groups of numbers, known as meters, indicate the number of syllables in each phrase of text. This index lists each hymn under its metrical heading so that hymn texts of like meter can be matched with a variety of hymn tunes. For example, the text “Rejoice, the Lord is King” (hymn no. 66) is often sung to the tune DARWALL (the musical setting for “Arise, O God, and Shine,” hymn no. 265). When matching texts and tunes, be sure to consider mood and word accents, as well as meter. Common Meter Names Some frequently used hymn meters have traditional names: Short Meter (SM) is 6686; Common Meter (CM) is 8686; and Long Meter (LM) is 8888. The letter D after the meter indicates that the meter is doubled–used twice in each verse. Adjusting Hymn Text Some hymn texts have a repeated last line or two that may be deleted in order to fit a different tune. For example, “Jehovah, Lord of Heaven and Earth” (hymn no. 269) may be paired with tunes of 868686 meter and also with most tunes of 8686 meter. S
