This page includes a lyric video, history, sheet music, and other resources for the classic hymn “When I Survey the Wonderful Cross.” Enjoy!

Enjoy this You Tube video, performed by Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman, with lyrics for “When I Survey the Wonderful Cross.”

History of “When I Survey the Wonderful Cross”

Words by Isaac Watts ( 1674-1748), Published in 1707.

You can learn more about Isaac Watts on our Joy to the World page.

Music “Hamburg” (1824) by Lowell Mason (1792-1872)

You can read more about Lowell Mason at Hymn Time.

Lyrics for “When I Survey the Wonderful Cross”:

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

To Christ, who won for sinners grace
By bitter grief and anguish sore,
Be praise from all the ransomed race
Forever and forevermore.

Additional Resources for “When I Survey the Wonderful Cross”:

Sheet Music (PDF Compliments of Hymnary.org)

Guitar Chords (Links to Ultimate Guitar)

Visit Hymnary.org or Hymn Time.com for more on this hymn.

See our Hymn of the Week page for a list of the hymns that are included on this site.

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