Taps

[Taps is a variant of the term "tattoo" originating as the expression to "shut taps" [Dutch: tap-too] in the taproom of taverns, signalling the time for troops to return to their barracks or quarters. The tune for taps, signalling the time to extinguish lights, was originally tapped-out on a drum. The now familiar tune, which was substituted for the traditional end of day tattoo (known as the "Scott Tattoo"), was first sounded in July 1862. Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield, a brigade commander in the Fifth Corps, and later Chief of Staff of The Army of the Potomac, composed the tune in consultation with Private Oliver Wilcox Norton, the brigade bugler. The tune resembled the phrase "Dan, Dan, Dan, Butterfield, Butterfield", so was also called "Butterfield's Lullaby", as it quickly spread to other Corps. Shortly afterwards, near Harrison's Landing in Virginia, during the Peninsular Campaign, when the customary salute of volleyed gunfire at burial was deemed inappropriate due to the proximity of the Confederate lines, Captain John C. Tidball substituted the playing of Butterfield's taps over the grave of a cannoneer from A Battery of the 2nd Artillery. The practice of playing end of day taps over gravesites spread throughout the Civil War. This new version of taps was officially adopted in 1874. There are no authorized lyrics to accompany the tune; however, its most common phrasing may have derived from "the bright day is done and we are for the dark" in the Shakespeare play "Antony and Cleopatra".]

Lyrics for TAPS (first version)

Day is done,
Gone the sun,
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky,
All is well,
Safely rest,
God is nigh.

Fading light,
Dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright,
From afar,
Drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise,
For our days,
'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars, as we go,
This we know,
God is nigh,
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.

Lyrics for TAPS (second version)

Day is done,
Gone the sun,
From the lakes, from the hills, from the skies,
All is well,
Safely rest,
God is nigh.

Go to sleep,
Peaceful sleep,
May the soldier, or the sailor, God keep.
On the land,
Or the deep,
Safe in sleep.

Love, good night,
Must thou go,
When the day and the night need thee so?
All is well,
Speedeth all,
To their rest.

Fades the light,
And afar,
Goeth day, and the stars shineth bright.
Fare thee well,
Day has gone,
Night is on.

Thanks and praise,
For our days,
'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars, 'neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.

Lyrics for TAPS (third version)

Fades the night,
And afar,
Goeth day, cometh night, and a star,
Leadeth all,
Speedeth all,
To their rest.

Love, good night,
Must thou go,
When the day and the night leave me so?
Fare thee well,
Day is done,
Night is on.

When your last,
Day is past,
From afar, some bright star o'er your grave,
Watch will keep,
While you sleep,
With the brave.