The Old Rugged Cross

by Rev. George Bennard
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Lyrics

On a (Cdim)hill far a (C)way stood an (Fdim)old rug ged (F)cross, the (G7)em blem of suf f’ring and (C)shame.

And I (Cdim)love that old (C)cross where the (Fdim)dear est and (F)best for a (G7)world of lost sin ners was (C)slain.

So I’ll (G7)cher ish the old rug ged (C)cross,

till my (F)tro phies at (F#dim7)last I lay (G7)down.

I will (C)cling to (C)the (A7)old rug ged (Dm)cross,

(Fm)and ex (C)change it some (G7)day for a (Ebdim7)crown.

To the (Cdim)old rug ged (C)cross I will (Fdim)ev er be (F)true, its (G7)shame and re proach glad ly (C)bear.

Then He’ll (Cdim)call me some (C)day to my (Fdim)home far a (F)way, where this (G7)glo ry for ev er I’ll (C)share.

So I’ll (G7)cher ish the old rug ged (C)cross,

till my (F)tro phies at (F#dim7)last I lay (G7)down.

I will (C)cling to (C)the (A7)old rug ged (Dm)cross,

(Fm)and ex (C)change it some (G7)day for a (Ebdim7)crown.

To the crown.

The Old Rugged Cross — Simple Sheet Music

"The Old Rugged Cross" in simplified sheet music format — the bridge between beginner modes and real sheet music. Color-coded notes with lyrics scrolling horizontally. Perfect for learning to read music. Key of C, 108 BPM.

Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.

About “The Old Rugged Cross

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "The Old Rugged Cross"?
Simplified Arrangement keeps the melody and chords on a simplified staff with lyrics, color-coded for easy recognition. It's a learner-bridge between Beginner mode and the classic engraved Sheet Music — same song, less visual density.
What key is "The Old Rugged Cross" by Rev. George Bennard played in?
The Old Rugged Cross is arranged in the key of C on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "The Old Rugged Cross"?
The arrangement plays at 108 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "The Old Rugged Cross" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
Can I download sheet music for "The Old Rugged Cross"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "The Old Rugged Cross"?
"The Old Rugged Cross" was originally performed by Rev. George Bennard. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What other songs by Rev. George Bennard can I play here?
Try "The Old Rugged Cross", "The Old Rugged Cross", "The Old Rugged Cross". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Is Simple Sheet good for learning to read sheet music?
Yes! Simple Sheet bridges the gap between beginner color-coded modes and traditional notation. Notes are displayed on a simplified staff with colors, lyrics, and chords — helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "The Old Rugged Cross". Key of C, 108 BPM.
What's the difference between Simple Sheet and Lead Sheet?
Simple Sheet shows a more streamlined, horizontally scrolling view with color-coded notes on a staff and lyrics below — like a simplified version of real sheet music. Lead Sheet shows melody with chord symbols above and full lyrics. Simple Sheet is the next step toward reading traditional notation.

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