Taps

Every veteran knows “'Taps.” It’s the haunting tune we’ve heard from our
bunks at lights out. Traditionally played at funerals, it’s a tune that gives us a
lump in our throats.

But, do you know the story behind the song?

Reportedly, it originated in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army
Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in
Virginia . The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of
land.

During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay
severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate
soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for
medical attention Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain
reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.

When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a
Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern and
suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he
saw the face of the soldier.

It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the
war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy had enlisted in the
Confederate Army.

The morning after finding his son dead on the battlefield, the heartbroken
father asked permission to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy
status. His request was only partially granted.

The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a
funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down as the
soldier was a Confederate.

But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one
musician.

The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical
notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's
uniform.

This wish was granted. The haunting melody, we now know as 'Taps' used at
military funerals was born.

The words are:

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.
Neath the sky.
As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh

We have all felt the chills while listening to “Taps” but few the words of the
song until now. Remember next time you hear this tune or find yourself in
trouble: God is nigh.