"Day Is Done" - History of Taps (Bugle Call)

 

This past Memorial Day, we watched the PBS special "The National Memorial Day Concert." as we always do, and once again tears trembled on my lashes at this haunting melody. And again, I needed to find out how this tune came to be.

Have you ever attended summer camp as a Girl/Boy Scout, attended a military funeral, or a patriotic memorial ceremony, and been moved by the rendition of "Taps" performed by a bugler?

Sometimes known as "Butterfield's Lullaby" or "Day Is Done," "Taps" was developed during the Civil War in 1862 by Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield. Dissatisfied with the formal bugle call signaling "lights out," he revised an existing call known as the "Scott Tattoo" to create a more melodious tune. He arranged with his bugler to play the new 24-note version, which quickly gained popularity among Union troops and later spread to Confederate forces as well.

The first documented use of "Taps" in a military funeral occurred when a Union artillery officer ordered the tune played for a deceased soldier instead of the traditional three rifle volleys, which were unsafe due to the proximity of the enemy. This established "Taps" as a respectful and discreet tribute for fallen soldiers.

The name "Taps" likely derived from the earlier practice of striking three slow

drum beats after the "Tattoo" or "Extinguish Lights" call, which the soldiers referred to as "Drum Taps" or simply "Taps." Butterfield's bugle call replaced the drum beats, but the nickname persisted.

"Taps" concludes military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, and in every city and small town in the United States. It is sounded every evening at 23:00 (11:00 pm) at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well as during the thousands of military wreath ceremonies conducted there every year.

The final bugle call of the day on military installations, "Taps" is played as a signal to service members that it is quiet time or "lights out, and often by Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Girl Guides to mark the end of a scouting event or a campfire.
"Taps" is a bugle call and is not considered a song as such. However, Union soldier, Horace Trim is often credited for a set of words intended to accompany the music.

Day is done, gone the sun,
 From the lake, 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, neath the sky;
 As we go, this we know, God is nigh.

Sun has set, shadows come,
 Time has fled, Scouts must go to their beds
 Always true to the promise that they made.

While the light fades from sight,
 And the stars gleaming rays softly send,
 To thy hands we our souls, Lord, commend.

The haunting and solemn melody of "Taps" has become deeply ingrained in American military culture. Its 24 notes bring to mind reflection, respect, and mourning, making it one of the most recognizable and emotionally powerful bugle call in U.S. history.