Taps - the words

Almost as soon as Taps was sounded on quiet night in July 1862, someone put words with the music. The words that accompany “Taps” combine a soldier's sleep with a solder's death in an exquisite melody and word combination that should offer some comfort to the grief-stricken families of their fallen heroes. It is for that reason that we offer the words to that haunting 24 note evening bugle call that has become synonymous with laying a hero to rest.

We would also like to point out that the lyrics, like the history is shrouded in controversy.  There is little known on how they were written, but they are often attributed to Horace Lorenzo Trim, although his authorship is often debated as well.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the hills, from the lake,
From the skies.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.

Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,
May the soldier or 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.