Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
hide me now, my refuge be;
let the water and the blood
from your wounded side which flowed,
be for sin the double cure:
cleanse me from its guilt and power.
2. Not the labours of my hands
can fulfil your law’s demands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears for ever flow,
all for sin could not atone:
you must save and you alone.
3. Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to your cross I cling;
naked, come to you for dress,
helpless, look to you for grace;
stained by sin, to you I cry:
‘Wash me, Saviour, or I die!’
4. While I draw this fleeting breath,
when my eyelids close in death,
when I soar through realms unknown,
bow before your judgement throne:
hide me then, my refuge be,
Rock of ages, cleft for me.