On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best

For a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above

To bear it to dark Calvary.
Refrain
In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,

A wondrous beauty I see,
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

Refrain
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;

Then He'll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I'll share.