Verse 1

I traveled down a lonely road

And no one seemed to care

The burden on my weary back

Had bowed me to despair

I oft complained to Jesus

How folks were treating me

And then I heard Him say so tenderly

My feet were also weary

Upon the Calv'ry road

The cross became so heavy

I fell beneath the load

Be faithful weary pilgrim

The morning I can see

Just lift your cross and follow close to Me

Verse 2

I work so hard for Jesus

I often boast and say

I've sacrificed a lot of things

To walk the narrow way

I gave up fame and fortune

I'm worth a lot to Thee

And then I hear Him gently say to me

I left the throne of glory

And counted it but loss

My hands were nailed in anger

Upon a cruel cross

But now we'll make the journey

With your hand safe in Mine

So lift your cross and follow close to Me

Verse 3

Oh Jesus if I die upon

A foreign field someday

T'would be no more than love demands

No less could I repay

No greater love hath mortal man

Than for a friend to die

These are the words

He gently spoke to me

If just a cup of water

I place within your hand

Then just a cup of water

Is all that I demand

But if by death to living

They can Thy glory see

I'll take my cross and follow close to Thee

I'll take my cross and follow close to Thee

Close to Thee