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 'Til my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged cross And exchange it some day for a crown To that 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 'Til my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged cross And exchange it some day for a crown