Lyrics
Verse 1
Alas and did saviour bleed and did my sovereign die
Would he devote that sacred head for such a worm as I
Chorus
At the cross at the cross where I first saw the light
And the burden of my heart rolled away
It was there by faith I received my sight
And now I am happy all the day
Verse 2
Was it for crimes that I have done he groaned upon the tree
Amazing pity grace unknown and love beyond degree
Chorus (Repeat)
At the cross at the cross where I first saw the light
And the burden of my heart rolled away
It was there by faith I received my sight
And now I am happy all the day
Verse 3
But drops of grief cannot repay the debt of love I owe
Here lord I give myself away it's all that I can do
Chorus (Repeat)
At the cross at the cross where I first saw the light
And the burden of my heart rolled away
It was there by faith I received my sight
And now I am happy all the day
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“At the Cross” traces a movement from astonishment over Christ’s suffering to relief, faith, and self-surrender. The opening questions contemplate the Savior bleeding for a guilty person, emphasizing a love that cannot be earned. Its recurring chorus places the turning point at the cross, where spiritual sight is received and the burden of sin rolls away. Joy follows not because guilt is ignored, but because grace answers it.
The later verses deepen that response. Human wrongdoing is set beside Christ’s suffering “upon the tree,” recalling the New Testament witness that Jesus bore sins in his body on the cross. Tears cannot repay such love, so the final verse offers the self instead: “Here Lord I give myself away.” That conclusion makes devotion a response to mercy rather than payment for it. The hymn therefore holds repentance, faith, gratitude, and consecration together around the saving work of Christ.
Related Scripture
- 1 Peter 2:24 Christ bore sins in his body on the cross so that sinners might live in righteousness.
- Galatians 2:20 Paul describes a life of faith shaped by the self-giving love of the crucified Christ.