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

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 someday for a crown

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

In the old rugged cross
Stained by the blood so divine
A wondrous beauty I see
For twas on that 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 one day
To my home far away
Where His glory forever I’ll share