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 that 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.