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.

(Chorus 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.

(Chorus 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) View all comments for this song
I found this song in early 2000 s - downloaded it and have sang it most Easters since. It us beautiful and I do not understand why it never moved into the mainstream. I love it. Sandy Fink (deltawinds_AT_gmail_DOT_com) 2021-04-04
Found this song years ago and every time I play it, sing it, it touches my heart like no other. Thank you... Diana Boney (paladin1954_AT_gmail_DOT_com) 2020-06-14
Beautiful! (piazazz14_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2019-03-13
Truely a truth we need to sing out. 2018-02-01
I downloaded this many years ago and still love it. We sing it as s duet on Easter. Love it. Sandy Fink 2017-04-16
I love this song very much Renae Forbes (Renforbes830_AT_Gmail_DOT_com) 2017-02-25
Your music is special to me. Thank you for putting feet to the blessings God has placed upon your hearts. Thank you, thank you! Bill Grisham (whgrisham_AT_catt_DOT_com) 2016-04-13
I love it! Vera Six (old friend of your music) (verasix_AT_gmail_DOT_com) 2016-03-31
Yes I will call upon your name and be saved Renae forbes (Renaeforbes24_AT_gmail_DOT_com) 2016-02-27
Glory B 2 JESUS on This Special Day I've Sent This Comment In For Good Friday3April2015♪† Love The Song/Hymn & The Words♪ ♪Thank You All & GoD's Blessings B Upon Us All & Peace B WithIn Our S† Fayette (quakawallaby_AT_gmail_DOT_com) 2015-04-02
I've been looking for the music for 'Until I Come' as I have the words already. I'm so thankful that I found your site, it is truly inspirational. I run a Lent Club after school and I have used this before many years ago, thank goodness I found it again. Went onto the website, really delighted. Thank you so much. Elaine Williams (elaine_will_AT_hotmail_DOT_co_DOT_uk) 2015-02-24
You are everything to me lord because I will call upon your name . renae forbes (renae forbes 78_AT_gmail_DOT_ com) 2015-01-09
excellent will use it for the worship lobo 2014-07-15
That is a beautiful song, and it so perfectly describes Jesus' perfect gift. I loved it! Everyone should hear that song. Rebecca Schumacher (schumabecca_AT_gmail_DOT_com) 2013-03-25
This is beautiful. I play piano for my church but don't feel accomplished enough to play this so I will just listen. I love the words. Thank you for sharing all the music. Jo Ann (joannirons_AT_windstream_DOT_net) 2013-03-02
Thank you Elton and Larry for writing such a beautiful and holy song. I have loved this song, and "I Lay It Down" for years, well before my husband and I were married. We just got back from Good Friday Mass, and now that the kids are old enough to understand them, we played both songs for them. They are very special songs, and I thank you both for encouraging christians to use your songs freely in their churches. Glory to God!!! Katrina 2012-04-06
I have loved this song since I first heard it- now years ago. I bought the CD- Resurrection Song and have been trying to get this song and another-Lover of My Soul performed at my church. Well, I finally got someone to sing it at my church and he asked me to sing back-up. So, we had a man and a woman. We were well received. Everyone said the song was very thought provoking and emotional. I think/hope that's what you were trying for! One down and one to go! God Bless you guys! cheryl (cherylsi_AT_live_DOT_com) 2011-08-09
5-star GREAT!!!  John (Mike) (jmhorn_AT_brtc_DOT_net) 2011-08-07
What a awesome song. It tells of the greatest thing to happen to me. I resently started a music ministry with in my church and these songs are truly an inspiration to me. God is great. Dwight (okcountryboy51_AT_hotmail_DOT_com) 2011-08-04
What a beautiful song. My pianist really rates it. Thank you so much for your wonderful music. I love singing from your list. Doris Warren (dwarren1435_AT_aol_DOT_co_DOT_uk) 2011-04-19
i am in charge of our church play for easter and wanted to use "the ballad of the cross" and saw that for non profit we could use it so tried to download it but its not working, not sure why, i'm even willing to pay for the cd if needed, but need it asap for kids to practice. please help Thank you for your interest. To download a file (mp3, midi, pdf), right mouse click on the link. This will display a menu on the screen. Use the menu to download the file to your computer. - Elton 2011-04-01
This song and the entire Russurection story is awesome. It is an inspiration to othera and it is great for use with children and youth groups karan (karan_AT_cwjamaica_DOT_com) 2011-03-12
Blast of beauty. Great song written by Elton and Larry, and Steve and Rhesa do a great job performing it. Alvin Fisher (alvinfisher_AT_bellsouth_DOT_net) 2011-02-21
It's a song to be inspired in your faith. God is Wonderful ! silvia (petrescuslv_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2011-02-18
wow!!!its so nice song...To God be the Glory!!! (glendzy25_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2011-02-11
I really like this song, because it makes you reflect on the death of Jesus and it is so surrend. Mary McWilliams 2011-02-10
Je me joins à chacun de vous tous, pour dire que cette musique Praise "Ballade de la croix" est vraiment très jolie! Que Dieu vous bénisse! Stormie 2011-01-28
i truely love this song.it reminds me of how Lord Jesus suffered for my sins and how he loves me. it also encourages me to love him back unconditionally. Oh how i love you Lord. celine (ccningas_AT_gma_DOT_com) 2010-12-28
It is good to hear a song so glorifying to Jesus  RJ 2010-10-31
i love the song really makes me think that jesus did not have 2 do anything but he did wat god called him 2 do . God has a call 4 each n every one of us we need 2 follow our calling just like jesus did i love u my jesus catherine (pinkwells_AT_aol_DOT_com) 2010-10-29
I hear this song and i love it,its remind the love of JESUS CHRIST FOR US  charlito (charlie_canosa_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2010-10-08
I hear this song and i love it,its remind the love of JESUS CHRIST FOR US  charlito (charlie_canosa_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2010-10-08
I hear this song and i love it,its remind the love of JESUS CHRIST FOR US  charlito (charlie_canosa_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2010-10-08
I love this song,it remind me how GOD loves me.He give his only begotten son to Ransom my soul at the cross,  charlito (charlie_canosa_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2010-10-07
i really like it harriet (harrietomane35_AT_aol_DOT_com) 2010-08-31
the words were so very touching, may the other will be blessed....................camz camille 2010-08-22
ooooh this song made me shade tears would like to get a copy its wonderfully may the lord bless you elton as you go on serving the Lord joan (joaby20002yahoo_DOT_com) 2010-06-11
Wonderful Song!!! Robert (robertdinakaranj_AT_gmail_DOT_com) 2010-04-16
PRAISE GOD!!!!!!! Bessie (bess39_AT_cableone_DOT_net) 2010-03-31
I would like to share about this song. I had performed this song at my local church for special music, only was done in sign language. Thank you for allowing this to be done. This is a great Easter and Passover song. You all are a Blessing. Thank you so much!! Martina Juranek (heartmkj_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2010-03-04
Elton & Larry, My wife and I found this to be a beautiful song. We sang it a couple of years ago for our Easter church service. I plan on teaching it to a brother in our church so we may sing it together this coming Easter. Thank you two and God Bless, Mark  mark (setfree6of96_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2010-02-20
wow ! the meaning of the song is great ! im not yet listening to it but i already fell in love to the song !!!  madelle (celandinehawkins_AT_yahoo_DOT_com) 2009-12-29
Love this song. Is there a version of this for SAB choir? laura (blandersen_AT_cltcomm_DOT_net) 2009-11-23
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