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Double Common Meter

Meter
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A stanza form consisting of two Common Metre quatrains (8.6.8.6 D)

Detailed Definition
Double Common Meter (DCM) is an eight-line stanzaic form that doubles the Common Metre quatrain (8.6.8.6) into 8.6.8.6.8.6.8.6, typically with an ABABABAB rhyme scheme. It is commonly used in longer hymns requiring extended doctrinal exposition, narrative development, or emotional progression while maintaining the singable, balanced rhythm of Common Metre. DCM allows for more complex arguments or stories than the standard quatrain without sacrificing metrical consistency, appearing in classics like Charles Wesley’s “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing.” Its extended length supports thematic unfolding while retaining the accessibility and congregational utility of its shorter counterpart.
Example
Example in poetry:
O God, our help in ages past, / Our hope for years to come, / Our shelter from the stormy blast, / And our eternal home. / Under the shadow of Thy throne, / Thy saints have dwelt secure; / Sufficient is Thine arm alone, / And our defense is sure; Jesus shall reign where’er the sun / Does his successive journeys run; / His kingdom stretch from shore to shore, / Till moons shall wax and wane no more. / To Him shall endless prayer be made, / And praises throng to crown His head; / His name like sweet perfume shall rise / With every morning sacrifice
Additional Notes
Double Common Meter (DCM) doubles the Common Metre quatrain into eight lines (8.6.8.6.8.6.8.6), often with rhyme scheme ABABABAB. It’s used in longer hymns requiring narrative or doctrinal development. The extended form allows for more complex arguments while retaining singability. Students should scan hymns like “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” to see how DCM supports thematic unfolding without losing rhythmic consistency.
Also Known As
double ballad meter extended hymn stanza eight-line common measure 88.88 meter
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