1 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.

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.

2 Oh, the 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]

3 In the old rugged cross,
Stained with blood so divine,
Such a wonderful beauty I see;
For 'twas on that old cross
Jesus suffered and died
To pardon and sanctify me.[Chorus]

4 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.[Chorus]