The Metrical System Hymnody

Each hymn, in addition to having a time signature and key has a metric number assigned to it. This number, corresponds to the number of syllables per line. For example, the hymn tune entitled "HOLLINGSIDE" has an assigned meter of 7. This means there is seven syllables per line. In the case of "EVEN ME," the meter is 8,7,8. Thus, the first line has eight syllables, the second has seven, and the third has eight. Many hymns have a meter of "C.M.," "S.M.," or "L.M." These letters are abbreviations for the most common meters. "C.M." is common meter (8,6,8,6). "S.M." is short meter (6,6,8,6). "L.M." is long meter (8,8,8,8). In addition to these letters, there may also be the letter "D" assigned to any meter. This simple means that that the pattern is repeated.