"The Old Rugged Cross" lyrics - MERLE HAGGARD

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
It's shame and reproach gladly bear
Then He'll call me some day, to my home far away
Where His glory for ever I'll share.

[Refrain]