The Old Rugged Cross Lyrics
Al Green
Lyrics
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.
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.
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.
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.
Song & Lyrics Facts
Al Green's "The Old Rugged Cross" is a classic gospel song released in 1972 on the album, Let's Stay Together. Written by George Bennard and arranged by Willie Mitchell, the original version of the song featured Al Green with his backing band The Hi Rhythm Section.
The lyrics tell the story of a man whose faith has been tested but ultimately he finds solace in Jesus Christ through the symbol of the old rugged cross. Throughout the song, Green sings about how the cross provides him strength to carry on during difficult times. With its soulful vocal performance and passionate delivery, “The Old Rugged Cross” continues to be one of Al Green's most beloved songs.