When I Think of the Cross (Just to think of the cross moves me now)

This song about thankfulness was written by Ralph Carmichael as part of the folk musical “Natural High” which he wrote with Kurt Kaiser (1934-2018) and which was published in 1970 by Lexicon Music.

It was also published in the 1971 book Sing'N'Celebrate.

The unnamed tune is in common time (4/4). In the key of Ab, the first few notes of the melodya are E EE E EE FG A.

1 Long ago in a far away place, Rough rugged timbers were raised to the sky. There hung a man suspended in space And though He was blameless They left Him to die. Chorus: Just to think of the cross moves me now, The nails in His hands, His bleeding brow. To think of the cross moves me now, It should have been me, it should have been me, Instead I am free, I am free! 2 He put an end to my guilt and despair, Turned bitter hating to sweet peace and love. Even the men that put Him up there were offered forgiveness and life from above.

Downloads

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No downloadable versions have been found, of either performances or the sheet music. If you know where to find one, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.

Examples

From the original musical:

Duet, unaccompanied in close harmony:

Small group with gentle guitar backing:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website.

The song has two verses, and a chorus which is sung after each verse. A rough outline is:

1 Long ago in a far away place ...

Chorus:
Just to think of the cross moves me now,
... Instead I am free, I am free!

2 He put an end to my guilt and despair ...