1 Beside the Cross I’m tenting,
and I feel a presence there
That touches me with rapture
and heals all my pain and care;
The crimson stream flows over me,
it covers all my sin;
My soul is filled with glory
that my soul and Christ are kin.

Refrain:
Tenting by the Cross, yes, I’m tenting by the Cross;
I’ve traveled back to Calv’ry, and I’m tenting by the Cross.

2 No gold have I of goodness
stored eternal life to buy;
To purchase at such empty price
I’ve long since ceased to try;
My hope is built on better ground,
all human worth is dross;
I’ve traveled back to Calv’ry,
and I’m tenting by the Cross. [Refrain]

3 Beside the Cross I’m tenting,
and I’ll by the Cross abide,
And sheltered in my Savior’s love
for evermore shall hide;
No present storm can harm me there,
nor storm of time to come;
His presence will protect me,
and will bring me safely home. [Refrain]

4 On mountain top He’s with me,
He whose blessed name is Christ,
And I with Him, until He
calls me up to paradise;
The times may have their nostrums,
but I count them all but dross;
I’ve traveled back to Calv’ry,
and I’m tenting by the Cross. [Refrain]