The music for Taps was adapted by Union General Daniel Butterfield for his brigade
(Third Brigade, First Division, Fifth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac) in July, 1862.
As soon as Taps was sounded on the night July 1862, words were put with the music.
The first were, “Go To Sleep, Go to Sleep.” As the years went on many more versions were created.
There are no official words to the music but here are some of the more popular verses:
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.
May we always remember those that gave their lives so that we may be free And let’s not forget to pray for those waiting to come home