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 it was 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.