. 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 . 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 . 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