'Twas a life filled with aimless desperation
Without hope walked the shell of a man
Then a hand with a nail print stretched downward
Just one touch then a new life began

And the old rugged cross made the difference
In a life bound for heartache and defeat
I will praise Him forever and ever
For the cross made the difference for me

Barren walls echoed harshness and anger
Little feet ran in terror to hide
Now those walls ring with love, warmth and laughter
Since the giver of life moved inside

There's a room filled with sad, ashen faces
Without hope death has wrapped them in gloom
But at the side of a saint there's rejoicing
For life can't be sealed in a tomb

Oh, and the old rugged cross made the difference
In a life bound for heartache and defeat
I will praise Him forever and ever
For the cross made the difference for me

I will praise Him forever and ever
For the cross made the difference for me
For me