“Near The Cross (Easy Piano)” is a short hymn arrangement built around the familiar melody of “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross.” This easy piano version keeps the texture very simple, with the right hand carrying the main tune and the left hand supporting it with mostly single bass notes. The music is written in 6/8, giving the hymn a gentle rocking motion, and the printed lyrics help connect each phrase of the melody to the original hymn text.

Measures 1–6 present the opening verse: “Jesus, keep me near the cross, There a precious fountain, Free to all, a healing stream.” The right hand plays the melody in clear single notes, while the left hand provides a steady low-note foundation underneath. The arrangement avoids thick chords, making the hymn melody easy to follow.

Measures 7–9 complete the first section with the words “Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain,” then move directly into the refrain. The melody remains simple and stepwise, with the left hand continuing its basic supporting role.

Measures 10–16 contain the refrain: “In the cross, in the cross, Be my glory ever, Till my raptured soul shall find Rest beyond the river.” This section slightly expands the melodic range while keeping the same easy texture. The final measures bring the hymn to a calm close with a simple cadence.

Interesting fact: “Near the Cross” was written by Fanny Crosby and published in 1869, with the tune by William Howard Doane. It became one of Crosby’s well-known gospel hymns and has appeared in many hymnals under titles such as “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” and “In the Cross.”