Old Rugged Cross

(Heavy, driving, slightly distorted guitar intro - 4 bars)

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.

(Build up on drums and bass)

(Full band hits - anthemic, soaring melody)

THE OLD RUGGED CROSS, IT'S A DESPERATE LIGHT.

STATIONED IN THE DARK, CUTTING THROUGH THE NIGHT.

THEY SEE THE SUFFERING, THE SHAME, THE BITTER COST.

BUT I'LL TRADE IT ALL FOR THE CROWN, FOR WHAT THE WORLD HAS LOST.Verse 2

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.

(Slightly muted, driving energy)

(Full band hits - anthemic, soaring melody)

THE OLD RUGGED CROSS, IT'S A DESPERATE LIGHT.

STATIONED IN THE DARK, CUTTING THROUGH THE NIGHT.

THEY SEE THE SUFFERING, THE SHAME, THE BITTER COST.

BUT I'LL TRADE IT ALL FOR THE CROWN, FOR WHAT THE WORLD HAS LOST.Verse 3

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.

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.

(Guitar Solo - melodic and intense, over Chorus progression)Chorus

(Full band hits - anthemic, soaring melody)

THE OLD RUGGED CROSS, IT'S A DESPERATE LIGHT.

STATIONED IN THE DARK, CUTTING THROUGH THE NIGHT.

THEY SEE THE SUFFERING, THE SHAME, THE BITTER COST.

BUT I'LL TRADE IT ALL FOR THE CROWN, FOR WHAT THE WORLD HAS LOST.

To that 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.

(Repeat and fade with crashing cymbals and sustained, distorted guitar chord)

I will cling to the old rugged cross...

...and exchange it some day for a crown.