The Old Rugged Cross

Words and music by George Bennard · 1913

Key of Bb · 69 BPM · 6/4 · Grace,Comfort · Galatians 6:14

Verse 1

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.

Chorus

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.

Verse 2

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.

Verse 3

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, A wondrous 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 some day for a crown.

Verse 4

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.

Public domain in the United States (best-effort). Free for every use, including commercial — no license needed. Other countries may differ.