[Verse 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.
[Verse 2]
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.
[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.
[Verse 3]
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]
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.
[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.
[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.
