The Old Rugged Cross
View chords used in this chart
The Old Rugged Cross
Words and Music by George Bennard
Cappo 3
verse 1:
G G7 C A7
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
D D7 G
The emblem of suffring and shame;
G G7 C A7
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
D D7 G
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
Chorus:
D D7 G
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross.
C G
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
G7 C
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
G D G
And exchange it some day for a crown.
verse 2:
Oh 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 cavalry.
verse 3:
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.
verse 4:
To the old rugged cross, I will ever be true,
Its shame and reproach gladly bear,
Then He'll call on some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I'll share.
How to play The Old Rugged Cross
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is G. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.