016.Tennessee Ernie Ford

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.

Refrain:

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.

(Refrain)

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.

(Refrain)

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.

(Refrain)