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 someday for a crown O that old rugged cross So despise by the world Has a wonderous attraction for me For the dear Lamb of God Left His glory above To bareth to dark calvary 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 someday for a crown To the old rugged cross I will ever true It's shame and rebrokes gladly bare 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 'Til my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged cross And exchange it someday for a crown