On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross
The emblem of sufferin' and shame
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners were 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

--- Instrumental ---

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

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

I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown