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 that 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