[Verse 1]
'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 and a new life began

[Chorus]
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

[Verse 2]
Barren walls echoеd harshness and anger
Little feet ran in tеrror to hide
Now those walls ring with love, warmth and laughter
Since the giver of life moved inside

[Verse 3]
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 a life can't be sealed in a tomb

[Chorus]
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
[Outro]
Oh, I will praise Him forever and ever
For the cross made the difference for me