The Rugged Cross

Intro

(Piano and organ swell together. Drummer hits a steady “four-on-the-floor” kick drum with a crisp snare on the 2 and 4.)

Verse

It wasn’t just a mountain, it was a lonely road

He was carrying a burden, a heavy, heavy load

They thought they saw a victim, a man losing His breath

But they didn’t see the victory behind that shadow of death

Oh, He walked toward the mountain, with mercy in His eyes

Preparing for the moment He’d tear apart the skies.

Chorus

Oh, the cross, it was rugged

The cross, it was stained

But the cross is the reason I don’t have to bear the shame

It was a bridge over the valley

A light in the dark of night

Now I’m walking in the freedom, walking in the light

I’m looking at the cross (Yes, I am)

I’m looking at the cross.

Verse

Now, the world sees a symbol, or a piece of jewelry gold

But I see the story that the prophets all foretold

The blood became a river that washed my spirit clean

The greatest show of power this world has ever seen

He didn’t stay defeated, and He didn’t stay down

He traded in that rugged wood for a heavy, golden crown.

Chorus

Oh, the cross, it was rugged

The cross, it was stained

But the cross is the reason I don’t have to bear the shame

It was a bridge over the valley

A light in the dark of night

Now I’m walking in the freedom, walking in the light

I’m looking at the cross (Yes, I am)

I’m looking at the cross.

Bridge

(Music intensifies, bass guitar starts walking)

It should’ve been me (But He took my place)

It should’ve been me (But He gave me grace)

Every nail was for my pride

Every stripe was for my life

(Higher)

He did it for me!

(Higher)

He did it for me!

(Ad-lib: I’m talking about the blood, the precious blood!)

Chorus

(Medium tempo groove)

There is power (Power in the cross)

There is healing (Healing in the cross)

There is favor (Favor in the cross)

I found my Savior (Right there at the cross)

Outro

I’ll never get over it

I’ll never get over the love He showed

At the cross...

(Organ swirl, final drum crash)

At the cross.