The Ballad of the Cross

(6 Measure Introduction)

(Verse 1)
By the prophets, God foretold
of the sending of His Son
Who would give His life
to set the captive free.
Stepping down from His throne
and the glory He had known,
Jesus came to give His life for you and me.
Though He knew well the cost,
He was prepared to suffer loss
and give Himself as ransom for us all.
Into our hopeless world He came,
Endured the suffering and the shame,
Every moment staying faithful to the call.

(Verse 2)
Yet the One who spoke of love
was rejected and despised;
He knew all too well the sinful heart of men.
Those with eyes refused to see;
Those with ears refused to hear,
as they sought a way to bring Him to an end.
By a friend He was betrayed,
By soldiers, led away,
Yet for this very hour He had come.
They did not take - He freely gave;
For those He came to save,
the road to the cross He walked alone.

(Bridge 1)
He could have called a million angels to His side,
Or stepped down from the cross and walked away.
Yet His love held Him there,
Through the pain and despair,
To free us from the debt we could not pay.

(Verse 3)
In His suffering and pain
Took the guilt and the shame
As He hung between the heavens and the ground.
Every nail, every thorn,
Every stare, every scorn
pierced the One who so freely laid it down.
With His face to the sky,
"It is finished!" was His cry
The words that broke the gates of hell.
When His final words were said,
Breathed His last, bowed His head,
Darkness o'er the land so quickly fell.

(Bridge 2)
Yet death and darkness could not stand against His power:
He rose, victorious o'er the grave.
In His light we now may live,
By the grace He came to give
All who call upon His name are surely saved!
All who call upon His name are surely saved!

Comments  ( Leave a comment )
A very wonderful song, The Cross had to be to set us free for one day we could have a place with God in Heaven. This morning Has I was sending the prayer requests all over the World to the prayer's partners to pray for them , I was looking for a song to add to my email, Praise God for this Heavenly song, God bless, Jeanne. Jeanne C. S (unitedwepray_AT_frontiernet_DOT_net) 2009-11-10
Once again I will call yours a faithful friend. Love and blessings to yours always. Kathy Jo Watts 2009-09-26
I like his voice and the harmony. Linda J. Crume (crumelinda_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2009-08-01
I still hear this song also...... to remember what God has really done for us all Kathy Jo (SecretNow2003_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2009-05-11
Nine years ago.....All Glory be to God............this song had such a wonderful impact on my life....and I see.....and hear....God has blessed yours all so very much....All Glory be to God. Kathy Jo (SecretNow2003_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2009-04-24
I really like this song and I'm going to use it for our Good Friday service. Ellen 2009-04-08
Lovely...I'm the music director at my church and hope to play this for Easter! Angie Hooks 2009-03-30
What an awesome song about our Lord. Thank you for allowing the spirit of the Lord to lead both of you to these words and music. God bless you both. Cheryl Green (cngreen_AT_trustcable_DOT_com) 2009-03-21
i love jesus!!! razel (milk_ca_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2009-03-10
I love it so much !!!!!!! God bless you! Amen! Sara (sarabeatay_AT_yahoo_DOT_es) 2009-03-07
Anointed words about our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and anointed singers. Sister Sandra (hill_DOT_sandy_3_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2009-02-26
Great BIG Message Song !!! 2009-02-19
this song reaches the heart. I loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!! Juanita Baldwin (baldwin999_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2009-02-13
Beautiful!!! 2009-01-18
May this song, born in Heaven, be upon the lips of all how loves the Lord and his finished work upon the CROSS. Awesome Awesome Song!!!!!!!!!!! Edith Svenson (svendee_AT_hotmail_DOT_com) 2009-01-06
When I heard the music from one blog for the first time, I was deeply attracted by it. I couldn't help listening to it over and over again. In the case of knowing not the lyric, I added to the chorus with "Lord,I will follow You all my life"(of course in my mother tongue--Chinese). These words repeated in my heart again and again. Then I found the lyric here. It's touching too! Thank the Lord! Nothing in the world can compare with His love! Thanks for sharing this wonderful song! Lina (maryli80_AT_yahoo_DOT_com_DOT_cn) 2008-12-29
Great song One of the best Christian songs. Praise The Lord. 2008-12-23
I don't sang that great, But I had to sang along with this song Gods Blessings Pastor Ray. GCCC Ray (Pastor_DOT_Ray_AT_sbcglobal_DOT_net) 2008-10-17
Thank you so much!I love this song and going to let the kids hear this beautiful song in Macau. Francis (francis3972_AT_yahoo_DOT_com_DOT_hk) 2008-10-03
Dios les bendiga! es una inspiracion un mensaje....... creo en mi un reavivamiento espirtual. Dios les bendiga! Que su nombre sea glorificado atravez de ustedes. Odalys Angarica Small (odaosb_AT_hotmail_DOT_com) 2008-09-20
Dear brothers Elton, Steve, Larry This song is the a very concise, but explanatory story of our dear Lord's coming to this world. I don't know how many times I have listened it (not less than 200), but I cannot stop listening it. It is the language of Holy Spirit, which my spirit well admire. Praise the Lord. May God Bless you All abundantly. Shony-Palakkad-Kerala-India (vrshony_AT_gmail_DOT_com) 2008-09-18
It's truely a meaningful song to me. Every single words are so meaningful.. It does reflect everyone of us carrying the same cross as Jesus carried... Praise to God! As the almighty send him to save us! It's so meaningful to me as I more understand on Jesus. (aemy_faith_AT_hotmail_DOT_com) 2008-09-03
The song is very inspirational.The words basically touch on God's ONLY salvation message for Mankind. Felix (felinanakwak_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2008-07-20
What a lovely song. It tells the story of Easter so very well. I plan to show it to our choir. I just know that they will like it just as much. Janis 2008-05-29
PRAISE GOD! The words have so much meaning. I can't wait to share this with my Church. I KNOW it will touch hearts as it has alos touched mine. Really the song says it all about the Easter story. I also love the power as I hear it sung. God's Love is so great that its not possible for us to LOVE as He did, but we can certainly try. Thanks again for allowing God to us you in writting these touching words. Dwayne , Halifax NS 2008-05-23
'The Ballad of the Cross'. What an awesome song. The words are so inspirational. The music is so moving. The song is amazing. God Bless and inspire more songs as powerful as this one! Amanda (pirate_princess_AT_fastmail_DOT_fm) 2008-05-11
Oh so beautiful the words and the music, all so true as I visualized the story while listening. 2008-03-24
Thank you for this song. I first heard the music behind Carrie McCutcheon's poem Still He Walked. It is powerful and uplifting thank you os much Pam 2008-03-22
itis very good song and make me feel realy touching glory be to God who realy is s9o faithful1 thank you samkol eang (samkoleang_AT_rogers_DOT_com) 2008-03-20
it's so beautiful and touching purnima (purni_AT_pc_DOT_jaring_DOT_my) 2008-03-17
It is rrreeeaaalllyyy grreeaat !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2008-03-16
Thanks so much for sound track and lovely song, My little girl will sing this song for this Easter service. Thanks and Gos bless you Truc Phan (tructrinhpahn_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2008-03-15
verrry verry nicee Viva (imsdalen_AT_hotmail_DOT_com) 2008-03-15
This is a wonderful song. It tells the story completely. God Bless You for using your gifts to His Glory. Debra (dectchr_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2008-03-11
awesome song and nice music along with it, thank-you for sharing! Debbie 2008-03-08
I absolutely love this song.. it is wonderful.. thank you so very much for sharing your talent with the world.. God Bless!!! Mama Lin (linhager_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2008-03-08
This is such a beautiful song. So peaceful and yet powerful. Full of expectation and hope. Thank you, Denice 2008-03-07
I thought this was th most beautiful song I have ever heard giving the story of Easter. The music was so pretty and cleverly placed a credit to you both. Jayne Weston 2008-03-06
Can't adequately describe the emotional and spiritual feeling I get from the words and the music. I thank God for giving you this talent and you for sharing it. Paulette 2008-02-18
Hi Elton. Last Easter we used the Ballad of the Cross in our service....Everyone liked it so much...we are going to use it again this year. Thanks for sharing with us...it's so powerful!  Gloria (gornglo_AT_telus_DOT_net) 2008-01-20
This song touched my heart so deeply. I just love it so much. Every time I hear it it brings me closer to the Lord. I thank you Lord for all you have done for me and my family. God Bless you all Linda (shop_gurl40_AT_msn_DOT_com) 2007-10-23
This is a powerful song that speaks the word with picture Rosah (lightatorch_AT_hotmail_DOT_com) 2007-10-17
Very touching, I love this song. Nelda Taylor (nelda_DOT_taylor_AT_worthaminsurance_DOT_com) 2007-10-03
i love it so much from renae. 2007-09-22
beautiful song, Larry and Steve, would like a copy for our community radio Gospel Program in Perth West Aust please if possible. Please contact me Regards Mitzi (Radio Producer) Curtinfm 100.1 (Mrs) Mitzi Smith (stardustp49_AT_yahoo_DOT_com_DOT_au ALSO denandphyl_AT_ozemail_DOT_com_DOT_au either will find me) 2007-09-21
magnificent!!! Lui Siu Chun 2007-09-21
I love it.. Marian Vest (mtmomma5_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2007-07-30
Praise the Lord for this beautiful song...when God give a song its a prayer. God has revealed his heart to you. GREAT GREAT SONG sanjeev (jms664_AT_gmail_DOT_com) 2007-07-27
SOOOO LOVELY___Thank you so much_ PHYLLIS (donphyllisy_AT_earthlink_DOT_net) 2007-07-07
OUTSTANDING!! Mike Davis 2007-06-01
Wow What a revelation of what Christ is about. A moving living song for even the hardest heart. Jesus reigns victorious above all. To God be the glory...... Lee-Ann (lvanniekerk_AT_parliament_DOT_gov_DOT_za) 2007-05-31
I absolutely love this song, the power I feel when I sing it gives me such joy. Cindy (coufal66_AT_msn_DOT_com) 2007-04-20
Thank you. On April 15 my friend and I will have sung this wonderful song 3 times at different functions--the 15th being church service. At first we planned to do it with full ensemble--my daughter, son-in-law, and their 2 children on electric jazz guitar, bass guitar, drums, and triangle. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. We did it instead with piano. Paul Jones (PJ) (hedwig_AT_mailaka_DOT_net) 2007-04-12
This piece is so beautiful played on the piano. You can envision Jesus carrying the cross and the burden that He carried. This score has captured that is is so beautiful. (dcsolga_AT_brainerd_DOT_net) 2007-04-08
I was so very blessed by this Easter ballad. It is a song that brings much glory and praise to the Lord. I believe that the men that wrote it most definitely led by the Holy Spirit and it is very anointed. Thank you for this special Easter gift and I will be certain to share it with others. May God bless you and keep you in the palm of His nail-scarred hands. Linda Rieser 2007-04-08
What an absolutely beautiful song. This is a glorious way to sing about the eternal gift of life our Heavenly Father has bestowed upon us by his grace. I am recommending this to our church as a new communion hymn. Thank You. Nancy Boggs 2007-04-07
It is beautiful and has a very good message. It is a blessing to me. Gwendolyn Blyden 2007-03-29
This is a beautiful song. The words gave me goosebumps. It makes you really think about what an awesome price Jesus paid for us. Thanks! Tana Sullins (tbarsranch2003_AT_yahoo) 2007-03-26
This is a very beautiful ballad. I am recommending it to our Music Dept at church. I really like it and it is easy to sing along with, which is awesome. Praise God for the influences he sends to his sheep! Leona Alvarado (alvarado_inc2004_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2007-03-09
Emotionally and spiritually touching. Very inspirational!!! I pray for more blessings for the composers. Thank you for providing both demo and accompaniment tracks. ditas (dythasresente_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2007-02-28
This is a wonderful song. Last Easter I downloaded the lead sheet and sang it in my church and everyone loved it. Thank you. Irene (irenekirui_AT_hotmail_DOT_com) 2007-02-24
i love it 2007-02-23
Wow, so amazing you speak the words so powerfully of what our savior did for us. Thank you, it is so touching and yes, inspired. 2007-02-23
Thank you very much for writing this song. I have taught song "Lay it down" in 2005 lenten days at Church and I am willing teach this wonderful and inspirable song to our church youth to present in the Church on Easter 2007. Thank you so much and we wish you to continue to write the songs. May God bless you and happy Easter in advance. Vidya Sagar, Hyderabad, India (neosagar_AT_rediffmail_DOT_com) 2007-02-21
The Ballad Of The Cross is one of the most beautiful songs I have heard.The melody is so uplifting and the words are an inspiration.Who could listen to it and not have their hearts touched by it? The words say it all ! I love it !! May God bless you both as you continue to write and sing for His glory. Barbara (babyruuth7_AT_aol_DOT_com) 2007-02-19
The Ballad of the Cross, What a soul lifter. Inspiring! Wonderful talent! Wonderful site! Thank You for sharing. Pat 2007-02-07
Dear Friends in Jesus Christ, I am in a dilema. Two days back only I happened to visit the website songsofpraise.org. I am enjoying all the songs. I shall try my best to give much publicity.I am from Kerala State of India a retired teacher having four children from Mary my wife.Please pray for us. I shall pray for ypu all.The Ballad of the cross really heart touching. Thanks to God and thanks to you.God bless you. P J Joseph (pjjoseph_AT_catholic_DOT_org) 2007-02-05
A friend of mine just gave me your web site and I played the Ballad of the Cross. I was immediately drawn to the music even before I knew the words. This song is so beautiful and I play it over and over during the day. Thank you so much for this inspirational music. I love it so much that I will play it everyday and will give your web site to all my friends. Bonnie (dbfcorp_AT_aol_DOT_com) 2007-02-04
What beautiful words to a simply perfect melody. Many of these songs I do not know and so I'm not able to sing along, but the words and tune fit wonderfully. It made me think of Mel Gibson's Passion movie, as we approach the Lenten season. God Bless, Mrs. Darcel Fode 2007-02-03
thank you for offering this song. when i read the lyrics,it really touched my heart. brighty (brighty1208_AT_hotmail_DOT_com) 2007-02-02