The Old Rugged Cross

Tennessee Ernie Ford

Date of Birth  13 February 1919, Bristol, Tennessee, USA

Date of Death 17 October 1991, Reston, Virginia, USA (liver disease)

Birth Name  Ernest Jennings Ford

Mini Biography

 Composer, singer and author, educated at the Cincinnati Conservatory. He appeared at the London Palladium, and made many records. He also owned a cattle ranch in California. Joining ASCAP in 1958, his popular-song compositions include "Hogtied Over You", "Kiss Me Big" and "Softly and Tenderly".

The Old Rugged Cross

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.

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.
(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.

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