'Twas a life filled with aimless desperation
Without hope walked the shell of a man;
Then a hand with a nailprint stretched downward,
Just one touch then a new life began.

And the old rugged cross made the difference
In a life bound for heartache and defeat;
I will praise him forever and ever
For the cross made the difference for me.

Barren walls echoed harshness and anger
Little feet run in terror to hide;
Now those walls ring with love, warmth and laughter,
Since the giver of life moved inside.

And the old rugged cross made the difference
In a life bound for heartache and defeat;
I will praise him forever and ever
For the cross made the difference for me.

There's a room filled with sad, ashen faces
Without hope death has wrapped them in gloom;
But at the side of a saint there's rejoicing,
For life can't be sealed in a tomb.

And the old rugged cross made the difference
In a life bound for heartache and defeat;
I will praise him forever and ever
For the cross made the difference for me.