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. The Old Rugged Cross Made The Difference lyrics '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.