Verse 1

'Twas a life filled with
Aimless desperation
Without hope walked
The shell of a man

Verse 2

But then a hand with a nail print
Stretched downward
Just one touch
Then a new life began

Chorus 1

And the old rugged cross
Made the difference
In a life bound for
Heartache and defeat

Chorus 2

I will praise Him forever
And ever
For the cross
Made the difference for me

Verse 3

Barren walls echoed
Harshness and anger
Little feet run in terror to hide

Verse 4

But now those walls ring with
Love warmth and laughter
Since the giver of life
Moved inside

Verse 5

There's a room filled
With sad ashen faces
Without hope death has
Wrapped them in gloom

Verse 6

But at the side of a
Saint there's rejoicing
For life can't be
Sealed in a tomb

Chorus 1

And the old rugged cross
Made the difference
In a life bound for
Heartache and defeat

Chorus 2

I will praise Him forever
And ever
For the cross
Made the difference for me