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 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 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 some day to my home far away where his glory forever i ll share 