Tempo=85 
 
Verse 1: 
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On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, 
    D         D7            G       
The emblem of suffering and shame; 
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And I love that old cross where the dearest and best 
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For a world of lost sinners was slain. 
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So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, 
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Till my trophies at last I lay down; 
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I will cling to the old rugged cross, 
      G             D         G  
And exchange it someday for a crown. 
 
Verse 2: 
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. 
  
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. 
 
Verse 3:  
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. 
  
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. 
 
Verse 4: 
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. 
 
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.