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.

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.

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 someday for a crown.

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.

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.