On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

The emblem of suff'ring and shame;


And I love that old cross where the dearest and best


For a world of lost sinners was slain.




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.





(Chorus)




In the 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.




(Chorus)





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.