1 Striving at the narrow gate,
Toiling with a heavy weight,
All in vain,
All in vain;
Leaving at the cross my sin,
Singing as I enter in,
Sweet refrain,
Sweet refrain.

Chorus:
Songs of the cross, of the cross, I love to hear,
All of their strains are sweet and clear;
I’m joyous and gladsome, my heart is light and free;
Songs of the cross, of the cross, come sing to me.

2 Fleeing from the heavy cross,
Seeing Jesus suffer loss,
Sore dismayed,
Sore dismayed;
Taking up my cross for God,
Singing with my lightened load,
Fears allayed,
Fears allayed. [Chorus]

3 Coming to the river’s bring,
Fearful ‘mid the waves I sink,
Save Thou me,
Save Thou me;
Clinging to the cross I rise,
Shouting to the upper skies,
Safe with Thee,
Safe with Thee. [Chorus]