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, 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 someday for a crown. In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine Such a wonderful 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 someday for a crown. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true, Its shame and reproach gladly bear; Then He'll call me someday 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 someday for a crown