The Old Rugged Cross
Merle Haggard & Willie Nelson Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴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
'Til 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 someday to my home far away
Where His glory forever I'll share

So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross
'Til my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

In the 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
'Til my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

Thank you
I'd like to ask Mr. Frank Butler to give the closing prayer
But before I do that, I want to thank you men
And also Warden Nelson, associate Warden James Park
And Chaplain Ethelman
For allowing me to come and spend this hour of worship with you here
At San Quinton Garden Chapel

It's an hour I will never forget
And now, here's Reverend Frank Butler

Overall Meaning

The hymn "The Old Rugged Cross," written by George Bennard in 1913, is a powerful ode to the Christian faith and the redemptive power of the cross. In the first stanza, the singer describes the cross as a symbol of suffering and shame, but also as a place where he finds solace and salvation. The second stanza speaks to the singer's commitment to the cross, his willingness to bear its shame and reproach, and his hope for eternal glory in heaven. The third stanza recounts the story of Jesus' crucifixion and its significance for the singer, who believes that he has been pardoned and sanctified through Christ's sacrifice.

The lyrics to "The Old Rugged Cross" reflect a deep understanding of the Christian faith and a personal connection to the story of Jesus' crucifixion. The hymn is particularly notable for its use of imagery, which is both vivid and evocative. The old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, is a powerful symbol of the Christian faith, and the image of the singer exchanging it for a crown in heaven is a powerful expression of hope and faith.

Overall, "The Old Rugged Cross" is a deeply moving expression of the Christian faith, and its message of redemption and hope has resonated with Christians around the world for more than a century.

Line by Line Meaning

On a hill far away, stood an old rugged Cross
At a distance on a hill, an ancient and rough cross existed

The emblem of suffering and shame
Symbolizing agony and disgrace

And I love that old Cross, where the dearest and best
I hold affection for the aged Cross where the most precious and valuable sacrifice

For a world of lost sinners was slain
Paying the price for all hopeless sinners globally

So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross
Therefore, I will treasure the antique rough cross

'Til my trophies at last I lay down
Until the point where I have no more accomplishments to boast of

I will cling to the old rugged Cross
I will hold fast to the aged rough Cross

And exchange it some day for a crown
And eventually trade it for a royal headpiece

To the old rugged Cross I will ever be true
I pledge loyalty to the ancient rough Cross

Its shame and reproach gladly bear
I willingly accept its humiliation and condemnation

Then He'll call me someday to my home far away
Eventually, He will summon me to a distant residence

Where His glory forever I'll share
Where I will share His eternal magnificence

In the old rugged Cross, stained with blood so divine
Blood-soaked holy marks decorate the antique rough Cross

A wondrous beauty I see
I perceive enchanting marvel in it

For 'twas on that old Cross, Jesus suffered and died
For it was upon that old Cross where Jesus underwent agony and death

To pardon and sanctify me
In order to absolve and cleanse me

Thank you
Expressing gratitude

I'd like to ask Mr. Frank Butler to give the closing prayer
I request Reverend Frank Butler to deliver the final prayer

But before I do that, I want to thank you men
But beforehand, I want to thank all of you gentlemen

And also Warden Nelson, associate Warden James Park
And also to Warden Nelson, associate Warden James Park

And Chaplain Ethelman
And Chaplain Ethelman

For allowing me to come and spend this hour of worship with you here
For providing me the opportunity to come and worship with you for this hour

At San Quinton Garden Chapel
At San Quinton Garden Chapel

It's an hour I will never forget
This is an hour which I will never forget

And now, here's Reverend Frank Butler
And now, here comes Reverend Frank Butler

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Anthem Entertainment, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: George Bennard

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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