The Old Rugged Cross
Embracing Redemption: The Symbolic Journey of 'The Old Rugged Cross'
Lyrics
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
Describes the physical location of a cross on a distant hill.
The emblem of suffering and shame;
Portrays the cross as a symbol of suffering and disgrace.
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
Expresses affection for the cross where the beloved (dearest and best) was sacrificed for lost sinners.
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
Highlights the purpose of the cross, the salvation of lost sinners through sacrifice.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Declares the intention to value and hold onto the cross until personal achievements are surrendered.
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
Commits to cherishing the cross until personal achievements are relinquished.
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
Expresses the determination to cling to the cross and anticipate exchanging it for a crown in the future.
And exchange it some day for a crown.
Anticipates a future exchange of the cross for a crown as a symbol of victory or reward.
O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Reflects on the cross's despised status globally but conveys a personal fascination with it.
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
Highlights the personal attraction to the cross, despite its societal rejection.
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
References Jesus, the Lamb of God, leaving glory to bear the cross to Calvary.
To bear it to dark Calvary.
Describes the purpose of Jesus bearing the cross—to reach Calvary.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Reiterates the commitment to cherish the cross until personal achievements are surrendered.
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
Reaffirms the commitment to lay down personal trophies while clinging to the cross.
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
Declares the intention to cling to the cross despite its rugged nature.
And exchange it some day for a crown.
Reiterates the anticipation of exchanging the cross for a crown in the future.
In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
Describes the cross as stained with divine blood, finding beauty in this symbolism.
A wondrous beauty I see,
Expresses a wondrous beauty observed in the cross stained with divine blood.
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
States that Jesus suffered and died on the cross, emphasizing its significance for personal pardon and sanctification.
To pardon and sanctify me.
Highlights the purpose of Jesus' suffering and death—to provide pardon and sanctification.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Reiterates the commitment to cherish the cross until personal achievements are surrendered.
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
Reaffirms the commitment to lay down personal trophies while clinging to the cross.
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
Declares the intention to cling to the cross despite its rugged nature.
And exchange it some day for a crown.
Reiterates the anticipation of exchanging the cross for a crown in the future.
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Promises lifelong loyalty to the cross, willingly bearing its shame and reproach.
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Expresses a readiness to bear the shame and reproach associated with the cross.
Then He'll call me some day to my home far away,
Foresees a future call to a distant home where eternal glory will be shared.
Where His glory forever I'll share.
Anticipates a future where eternal glory will be shared in the promised home.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Reiterates the commitment to cherish the cross until personal achievements are surrendered.
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
Reaffirms the commitment to lay down personal trophies while clinging to the cross.
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
Declares the intention to cling to the cross despite its rugged nature.
And exchange it some day for a crown.
Reiterates the anticipation of exchanging the cross for a crown in the future.
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