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 In the 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 To the old rugged cross I will ever be true It's shame and reproach, gladly bear Then He'll call me someday to my home faraway 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 Yes I'll cling to the old rugged cross And exchange it some day for a crown