The Old Rugged Cross

Verse 1

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,
(cross, the old rugged cross,)
till my trophies
at last I lay down;

I will cling to the
old rugged cross,
(cross, the old rugged cross,)
and exchange it
some day for a crown.

Verse 2

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

So I’ll cherish
the old rugged cross,
(cross, the old rugged cross,)
till my trophies
at last I lay down;

I will cling to the
old rugged cross,
(cross, the old rugged cross,)
and exchange it
some day for a crown.

Verse 3

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

So I’ll cherish
the old rugged cross,
(cross, the old rugged cross,)
till my trophies
at last I lay down;

I will cling to the
old rugged cross,
(cross, the old rugged cross,)
and exchange it
some day for a crown.

Verse 4

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.

Refrain

So I’ll cherish
the old rugged cross,
(cross, the old rugged cross,)
till my trophies
at last I lay down;

I will cling to the
old rugged cross,
(cross, the old rugged cross,)
and exchange it
some day for a crown.