[1] The tune was composed by William Howard Doane before Crosby wrote the lyrics.

It remains one of Crosby's best-known hymns and has been translated into several languages, including German,[3] Russian,[4] Haitian Creole,[5] and Spanish.

[6] Jesus, keep me near the cross; There a precious fountain, Free to all, a healing stream, Flows from Calvary's mountain.

Near the cross, a trembling soul, Love and mercy found me, There the Bright and Morning Star Shed its beams around me.

Near the cross I'll watch and wait, Hoping, trusting ever, Till I reach the golden strand Just beyond the river.