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The Old Rugged Cross

Chords

4.6100 votes

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[Verse]
On a hill far aAway stood an old rugged crosDs
The Eemblem of suffering and Ashame
And I love that old cross where the Ddearest and best
For a Eworld of lost sinners was Aslain
[Chorus] 
So EI'll cherish the old rugged Across
Till my Dtrophies at last I lay Adown
I will cling to the old rugged Dcross
And eAxchange it someEday for a Acrown
[Verse]
AO the old rugged cross so desDpised by the world
Has a Ewondrous attraction for Ame
For the dear lamb of God left DHis glory above
To Abear it to Edark ACalvary
[Chorus]
So EI'll cherish the old rugged Across
Till my Dtrophies at last I lay Adown
I will cling to the old rugged Dcross
And eAxchange it someEday for a Acrown

All chords in this song (3)

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The Old Rugged Cross

by Johnny Cash

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

[Verse]

A D

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross

E A

The emblem of suffering and shame

And I love that old cross where the dearest and best

E A

For a world of lost sinners was slain

[Chorus]

E A

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross

D A

Till my trophies at last I lay down

I will cling to the old rugged cross

A E A

And exchange it someday for a crown

[Verse]

A D

O the old rugged cross so despised by the world

E A

Has a wondrous attraction for me

For the dear lamb of God left His glory above

A E A

To bear it to dark Calvary

[Chorus]

E A

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross

D A

Till my trophies at last I lay down

I will cling to the old rugged cross

A E A

And exchange it someday for a crown

About The Old Rugged Cross Chords by Johnny Cash

Learn how to play The Old Rugged Cross by Johnny Cash with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Old Rugged Cross chords”, “The Old Rugged Cross guitar chords”, or “Johnny Cash The Old Rugged Cross chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy The Old Rugged Cross chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Old Rugged Cross lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include A, D, E.

FAQ — The Old Rugged Cross by Johnny Cash

How do I play "The Old Rugged Cross" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "The Old Rugged Cross" by Johnny Cash on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "The Old Rugged Cross" by Johnny Cash free?

Yes. The chords for "The Old Rugged Cross" by Johnny Cash are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "The Old Rugged Cross" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "The Old Rugged Cross" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "The Old Rugged Cross"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "The Old Rugged Cross" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "The Old Rugged Cross" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "The Old Rugged Cross" by Johnny Cash with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Johnny Cash below.

What key is "The Old Rugged Cross" in?

The chords for "The Old Rugged Cross" show the original chord names (including A, D, E). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.