Original lyrics
ENOn 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
