“Taps” is an American call, composed by the Union Army’s Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield while in camp at Harrison’s Landing, Virginia, in 1862. Butterfield wrote the call to replace the earlier “Tattoo” (lights out), which he thought too formal. The call soon became known as “Taps” because it was often tapped out on a drum in the absence of a bugler. Before the year was out, sounding Taps became the practice in both Northern and Southern camps. The call was officially adopted by the U.S. Army in 1874.
Here are the words to “Taps”
Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh — Falls the night.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
Then good night, peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear — Friend, good night.
“TAPS” went on from its origin as an alternative to “Lights Out” to become not only a signal that day was done, but also to say good-bye to a fallen comrade.
“TAPS” is customarily played at funerals at Arlington national Cemetery as well as at ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknowns there.
