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. CHORUS: 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. Oh, 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. 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. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true, It’s shame and reproach gladly bear; Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away, Where His glory forever I’ll share.
