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 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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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...