by Glome . . .
Member since:
March 16, 2008

TAPS

February 15, 2009 02:32 PM EST (Updated: February 22, 2009 02:02 AM EST)
views: 257 | rating: 9.6/10 (48 votes) | comments: 151


In honor of Presidents Day

I was surprised to learn there were words to TAPS

You all know the tune ... sing through the poem.

 

                    TAPS

Day Is Done,
Gone the Sun,
From the Earth,
From the Hill,
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, near,
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.

When Taps is played at dusk, it has a completely different meaning than when Taps is played during the day. No soldier really wants to hear it played during daylight. For when the bugle plays Taps in the daylight...that means a soldier has fallen...There is a belief among some that Taps is the clarion call to open the gates of heaven for the fallen warrior and letting them know to "Safely Rest"...

 

                                                           YouTube TAPS

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Comments: 151

Karen E. Feb 15, 2009, 2:51pm EST
It is a remarkable tune and the words reach deep into our hearts whenever it is heard. I think it brings us to recognize the temporary nature of being here, being in the day and being on our journey.
Mary Ann S. Feb 15, 2009, 2:58pm EST
Great.I like it.
Elsie Duggan Feb 15, 2009, 2:58pm EST
I have know these words Glome, and they are beautiful, also thanks for putting up the reasons why they are used, I have heard them all too often during my live,
Adele G. Feb 15, 2009, 3:04pm EST
Thank you so much for posting the lyrics to Taps. May God bless our men and women who serve our nation so well.
Sharon P. Feb 15, 2009, 3:08pm EST
They played it, and one of our friends sang it at my father's funeral. They also held a double 21 gun salute. VFW, and Army.

Dad was one of the 50 who came home from Anzio, Italy when they took the beach.
He was in the Third Division.

I remember him whenever I hear it.
Karen F. Feb 15, 2009, 3:08pm EST
Awesome...Thanks for sharing. God bless all of our troops here and now...and then. God bless our President...even though I am not agree with him as America's choice...I will pray for him. He is our Country's Leader.
B.B. B. Feb 15, 2009, 3:12pm EST
great, thanks for sharing
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 3:13pm EST
I agree Karen or Bruce :) Seriously, I can't listen to it or sing through it without crying. I'm sure that is the reaction of most of us.
Thanks for coming by.
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 3:14pm EST
Thank you Lee. I share your prayer, God bless all those that are fighting for good. That includes those from every country that feel they are giving their life for good. Bless them and give them truth.
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 3:15pm EST
Manks for coming by Mary Ann :)
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 3:16pm EST
Elsie, I don't remember where I ran into the words. I remember it was about 3 years ago because I made up a philosophy lesson for our club just to use the song :):) I pull it up every now and then just to sing it.
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 3:17pm EST
You're welcome Adele. Thank you for commenting and I agree 100% with your prayer.
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 3:20pm EST
Oh Sharon, I'm so sorry. But I'm so glad they gave him honor. And thank you so much for sharing that about yourself.
Thanks for what you gave up ... to give us a world that still has the hope of freedom.
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 3:25pm EST
Karen, I think your attitude is exactly right. Once a man or woman takes office, I think it's good to honor and pray for them.
Thank you for commenting.
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 3:26pm EST
Well Bee, Bee, Bee ... :) Glad to meet you. I'm glad you came by. Thanks for commenting.
(Jasper,(Disciple for Christ. w. Feb 15, 2009, 3:56pm EST
I never knew that it had words. thanks Glome for sharing.
Randall C. Feb 15, 2009, 4:02pm EST
Yes, thanks Glome. All but one of my family, has served in the military. I was the only one that saw any action, as the others, never left the US. So I know these words. God Bless
April H. Feb 15, 2009, 4:10pm EST
As a Girl Scout I know these words very well, we had to sing this at many a ceremony. Did you know there are hand motins that go with it too.
robert w. Feb 15, 2009, 4:12pm EST
Thanks for sharing Glome. I never knew Taps had words either.
God bless you Glome,
.* Sandi * Feb 15, 2009, 4:15pm EST
thank you for the reminder
I love the song, it always reminds me of the ones who gave up so much for our freedom
God bless our troops always
Jean, just the teensiest bit odd, F. Feb 15, 2009, 4:23pm EST
As both the daughter of and wife of combat veterans, I can tell you: No combat-veteran soldier wants to hear Taps at any time... To them, it means a funeral.

My father used to say that they have to play Taps at military funerals -- or else old soldiers wouldn't know that it's time to "lay down and rest"... He died on active duty in the US Army at Letterman Hospital in the Presidio in San Francisco in 1955.
babsie wabsie Feb 15, 2009, 4:33pm EST
thanks for sharing
i never knew there were words to Taps
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 4:36pm EST
Thanks for coming by Jasper. You're welcome. I too was glad to hear it had words.
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 4:39pm EST
Randall, Thank you, thank you, thank you :) And to all your family.
My only son is a former Marine. He prayed to go over seas during the first war against Iraq but, alas ... he also served in the states :)
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 4:41pm EST
April, I'm so HAPPY the scouts teach that song. Hopefully to the boys as well as the girls.

Also, I didn't know there were hand motions. I'm going to YouTube and see if they have something on there.

Thanks so much for all the info.
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 4:42pm EST
Thanks Robert. Hmmmm ... where do you live? You've been sitting on that porch all winter. And I haven't noticed a jacket or coat :):)
Thanks for coming by.
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 4:51pm EST
You're right Sandi ... I don't think there is another song on earth that speaks so loudly about the connection between God and loss and man.
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 4:54pm EST
"My father used to say that they have to play Taps at military funerals -- or else old soldiers wouldn't know that it's time to "lay down and rest"...

What a wonderful statement.
Thanks to your husband and your Father. You didn't mention whether or not your Father died from war wounds. But either way, I'm glad the hospital was there for him.
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 4:55pm EST
babsie ... Glad to know you. I know what a surprise it is :) And aren't the words beautiful?
Steph-in-NE ..... Feb 15, 2009, 5:05pm EST
Gee glome this is deep I never knew the words, and I copied this to show my girlfriend who just lost her son services on monday.. so this will be perfect to give to her,, you have such acitable(SP) timing this is good,,
I've heard of Taps but don't know the tune and didn't know the words until now, Glome. Now I'm a little more educated regarding America. Thank you.
Toni V. Feb 15, 2009, 5:43pm EST
Very nice post.
Angela A. Feb 15, 2009, 5:48pm EST
Thanks for writing down the words. I've never heard them before.
Sheila Deeth Feb 15, 2009, 7:17pm EST
Thanks for the words. I think I'd heard them but not remembered them. It's certainly one of the most evocative of sounds.
Karen M. Feb 15, 2009, 7:18pm EST
We used to sing this at Girl Scouts each night after camp was over....thanks for reminding me
Marilyn M. Feb 15, 2009, 7:47pm EST
Thanks. My my dad died, we were so pleased that the Navy came out to honor him as a WWII vet.
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 7:57pm EST
Stephenie ... that made me cry. I had to reread it with him in mind ... and his Mom. I've prayed that the Lord would fill her with joy as well as pain. He alone can make that happen. Please give her a hug from us ... tell her we are so sorry.

Thanks for sharing that with us. Maybe you can do an article with his picture. Be sure to send an email so none of us miss out on seeing him.
Jan S. Feb 15, 2009, 8:05pm EST
Thanks, Glome. I hope our PC legislators don't forbid the playing of TAPS next. It is a very emotional and respectful part of a military funeral. It inspires us at all times.
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 8:06pm EST
Magi ... you know the tune. You will recognise it as soon as you hear it. I added a link to Youtube at the end of the article. Please listen to it. I'll send you an email just in case you don't see this response.
Thank you for coming by.
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 8:11pm EST
Thank you for coming by and commenting Toni.
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 8:12pm EST
I'm with you Angela. I was surprised and pleased to read the words :)
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 8:13pm EST
I agree Sheila. I did add a link to the article with a youtube site. I wish I had put in on there from the beginning.
Thanks for coming by.
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 8:14pm EST
Thanks Karen. There is another girl scout up the thread that shared that also. It makes me really happy to know they are passing that on to young ones. Thanks for coming by and sharing that.
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 8:24pm EST
Marilyn ... I'm proud of America that they did that for your Dad also. Our vets deserve our thanks always.

I'm just curious ... if anyone reads this comment ... did you sing the song (at least in your mind) as you read through it? I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE singing through it. I think I almost always do it in my mind, not out loud :)
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 8:28pm EST
Oh my gosh Jan ... I never thought about that.
I would say let each person sing whatever words in their mind that they want. But never change the tune :)
I've actually never heard it sung except by myself.
In case you didn't read the other comments, there are two girl scouts in the thread that reported singing it at night after every camp was over.
Thanks for coming by.
elizabeth e. Feb 15, 2009, 8:45pm EST
Lovely, Glome. I remember singing this in Girl Scouts.
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 8:54pm EST
Elizabeth ... thank you so much for coming by and for sharing about the girl scouts. I believe I will wait a few days and then email National Girl Scout headquarters to thank them. You are the third woman to say you knew of the song through Girl Scouts.
What a wonderful service they are doing for their girls.
Andrea (Ms. Conservative) L. Feb 15, 2009, 9:39pm EST
thank you so much for sharing, Glome
Glome . . . Feb 15, 2009, 10:12pm EST
You're welcome Andrea. I loved it also. I wonder if the history of the words is known. I guess I'll try to look it up.
L. H. Feb 15, 2009, 10:50pm EST
Thanks, as a girl scout at one time, I am remembering playing it with other's during the day.
Kathy W. Feb 15, 2009, 11:18pm EST
Glome. This is the call that brought my little brother home.
Thank you for posting this. I cried again, a bit, then smiled, as we are meant to do when remembering loved ones, and their passing.

Jan: I felt warmth and love from this post until your comment.
Shame on you for attempting to make this educational post and beautiful tribute into a political dialog. Dems & Repubs serve, and die, in your name and mine--"over there." This is not a party-specific issue. In my brother's name--I ask you to think before posting. If you want to discuss politics, come to one of my nasty-liberal articles. Do NOT do it here.

(Thanks, Glome--you are a beautiful spirit.)
Wilka
Shelbia C. Feb 16, 2009, 12:04am EST
I learned the words in grade school. Great post
Glome . . . Feb 16, 2009, 12:22am EST
Great LH ... that is four of you. Yaaa for the Girl Scouts.
I read that is was the most well known tune world wide. I don't know if that was just an exagerated statement or if all the countries use it. That would be touching.
Thank you for coming by.
Glome . . . Feb 16, 2009, 12:39am EST
Hi Kathy. I've missed you. It's funny how you can lose people here on Gather.

There's something about that song that brings tears so close.
That is the saddest thing I ever heard.

"This is the call that brought my little brother home."

It seems like such a noble way to say it. No incriminations or anger expressed ... just acceptance and sadness and memories, good and bad.

I hope everyone that read this crys also. He deserves that. They all do. So do their families.

Thanks Wilka.

PS I have a picture of my uncle that died at 19 in the 2nd world war. My last memory was of him home after basic training. He carried me around on his shoulders. Shortly after he left again we recieved the telegram.
I think I'll post it next memorial day. I think we should encourage people to all post pictures and paraphenalia this summer. I would love to see the faces and hear the stories. I'll look you up and remind you :)
Glome . . . Feb 16, 2009, 12:42am EST
Thanks for coming Shelbia. I haven't seen you in a while either. I'm impressed they sang it in your grade school. I suppose it depends on the teacher.
It must mean so much to anyone that lost a family member in a war. How nice someone brought it to you kids.
Tracy Fabre Feb 16, 2009, 12:44am EST
My sister and I used to sing this song when we were kids in the 60s -- I didn't understand for many years its other meaning. Interesting to see it up there -- thanks, Glome.
Jai S. Feb 16, 2009, 12:53am EST
Glome~ God bless for sharing the words...great.
Edward W. Feb 16, 2009, 1:12am EST
I had never given much thought to it, but it makes sense that there would be lyrics.
Terry M. Feb 16, 2009, 1:15am EST
I like this.
Glome . . . Feb 16, 2009, 2:17am EST
Hi Tracy. I saw your little eye peeping out at someone else's site today. I hadn't seen it for awhile :)
Wow ... & I only learned a short while ago :) They are beautiful words.
Thanks you for coming by.
Glome . . . Feb 16, 2009, 2:21am EST
Yai Jai :) Aren't they wonderful. Do they use that tune in India? I read on one site it was the most recognized tune in the world. Don't know if that's true.
I'll come see what you've been up to.
Glome . . . Feb 16, 2009, 2:23am EST
Hello Edward. Me either. I just happened on them one day. You can hardly read through them without singing them. It's so fun to find them fitting the tune. :)
Glome . . . Feb 16, 2009, 2:24am EST
Thanks for coming by Terry. I like it too. I've reread it a number of time just since I posted it earlier today :)
Tracy Fabre Feb 16, 2009, 2:24am EST
I don't know where I've been, so don't ask me. But now I have this song in my head -- and this funny little memory of standing in front of the bedroom closet door singing it with my sister. Eh?
Glome . . . Feb 16, 2009, 3:17am EST
What are you doing up this time of night? :)
I followed the link and listened to the bugle call and the explanations offered.

The tune is very, very similar to Lights Out as used by the Australian Army ... ours is played slower than the French Version.
Jean E. Feb 16, 2009, 8:25am EST
I never knew there were words to taps ~ duh on my part, huh? thank you for the quick history lesson dear friend ~ hugs ~j
Sarah Honenberger Feb 16, 2009, 9:29am EST
We sang this at summer camp. All Girl Scouts know the words. It's haunting whenever it's played. Thanks for linking the video.
Chelle M. Feb 16, 2009, 11:37am EST
I hear TAPS and usually start to tear up. I heard it (and the 21 gun salute) at my grandpa's and his brother's burials. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Tracy Fabre Feb 16, 2009, 11:42am EST
What are you doing up this time of night? :)
Glome . . . , Feb 16, 2009, 3:17am EST

What were YOU doing up at that time of night?
Glome . . . Feb 16, 2009, 12:01pm EST
Maji ... I had read a bit of info that must have been incorrect. Some (Possibly a bozo :) said it was the most recognized tune in the world. So I thought everyone would know it but possibly under a different name. If I knew where I read it I would go back and scratch a line throiugh it Ha ha. Thanks for going to the trouble anyway. I'll go to YouTube and listen to Lights Out. Thanks.
Glome . . . Feb 16, 2009, 12:03pm EST
Ha ha Jeanie ... Duh on my part too :) It seems the majority of people that knew learned in girl scouts. Then a few in different ways.
Hope it is peaceful at your house today :)
Glome . . . Feb 16, 2009, 12:06pm EST
Sarah, that's the perfect word! Haunting ... & maybe a 'urning' in the mix. I mentioned earlier I am going to write the national girl scout headquarters, and I PROMISE to do it today to praise them for their efforts to make it known. By far the majority of you that haave known it learned it in the girl scouts. Yaaaa for them.
Thanks for coming by and letting us know. They deserve the praise.
Glome . . . Feb 16, 2009, 12:11pm EST
Hi Chelle, I don't think I've met you before. Thank you for coming by.
I know it had to add much dignity and appreciation to hear it played. Like you said, if anyone had withheld their tears through the funeral I'm sure they flowed as the bugle played.
I keep going up to the article and singing it. The tears begin to well up the moment I decide to scroll up the page :)
Thanks for coming by and commenting.
Glome . . . Feb 16, 2009, 12:19pm EST
Ha ha Tracy. I thought about that as I clicked 'submit' :) I notice we both got a late start this AM also.
If I didn't have so much family I talk to and visit with, I think I would sleep between noon and 7 or 8PM. My problem is I'm a night person. But first and foremost, I'm a morning person. I LOVE getting up a 4 or 4:30. I actually feel exilerated. Like I'd stolen some hours and added them to my day and their MINE, MINE, MINE. I keep that feel till about 7AM. Then at night, once 11:30 passes I begin to get the same feeling.
About every two weeks I stay up all night. I go to bed for an hour or so and am too restless so get up. It doesn't really bother me. & I usually stay up till midnight that night
then sleep late. So I catch up.
Oh oh, I just reread this. The majority of time I stay up till 3 or 4 I sleep late. The luxury of being retired :)
Glome . . . Feb 16, 2009, 12:24pm EST
MAJI It is also played at lights out!!! I should have mentioned that. At night it is played commending them to God's hands for the nights rest. It is only played in the day time commending them to eternal rest.
I went back up to read your post & it dawned on me it is probably used in many countries for things along that line.
OK, I'm back off to listen to yours on YouTube :)
William Dotani Feb 16, 2009, 12:32pm EST
Excellent article. This is good information to know.
Teresa A. Feb 16, 2009, 2:50pm EST
I always tear up when I hear it.
Joseph Breunig Feb 16, 2009, 6:15pm EST
It's weird that I had never heard before that there are words associated with that mournful tune. Thanks for sharing. --Joe
Sandi S. Feb 16, 2009, 8:34pm EST
Wow... amazing lyrics.
Susan Budig Feb 16, 2009, 8:38pm EST
I knew the first verse. I learned it as a Girl Scout.
Kerrell g. Feb 16, 2009, 8:57pm EST
Thank, Glome!!!!
K D. Feb 17, 2009, 12:22am EST
Gee, I never knew there were words to that song.
Glome . . . Feb 17, 2009, 1:40am EST
Hi Mr Dotani :) I agree ... weren't the words wonderful?
Glome . . . Feb 17, 2009, 1:42am EST
Teresa, me too. I keep going back up to read it and cry every time :)
Glome . . . Feb 17, 2009, 1:44am EST
Joe, my feelings exactly. If you read down through the comments you would discover that about 7 or 8 people knew the words from being in the girl scouts. Yaaa for them.
Mournful is a good description of the tune.
Glome . . . Feb 17, 2009, 1:45am EST
Hi Sandi. They are amazing.
Thanks for coming by and commenting.
I hunted for a new story today :) I won't push ... but get it done, will you :):) Ha ha.
Glome . . . Feb 17, 2009, 1:54am EST
Susan, I just sent a message to the Girl Scouts of America today commending them on the wonderful affect they've had on the girls they are involved with. about 90% of the people that knew of the words in this thread, were taught them by the Girl Scouts.

I gave them the link just in case they wanted to check it out. Thanks for sharing that.

Also, thanks for coming by and commenting.
Glome . . . Feb 17, 2009, 1:55am EST
You are welcome Kerrell :) Aren't the words wonderful?
Thanks for visiting and reading the article.
Glome . . . Feb 17, 2009, 10:11am EST
Me either Kaa Dee ... but I loved what I found :) I can't read through the words without singing it ... the tune is so addictive.
Bethany C. Feb 17, 2009, 1:48pm EST
Thanks for sharing these words with us. And reminding us of those who serve.
Glome . . . Feb 17, 2009, 10:22pm EST
Thanks for coming by Bethany. Reading those words made me really feel love for those out in the fields protecting us.
Ashley Prince Feb 17, 2009, 10:25pm EST
This is a lovely post Glome. I think those who serve our country get lots of respect, but not near what they deserve. How do you know how to thank someone that will risk their lives for you and not ask anything in return? Better yet, they serve our country daily for people they don't even know and may never meet!
Barbara B. Feb 17, 2009, 11:17pm EST
This was just so special to me Glome as I just lost
my son-in-law not so long ago. That song was on
the Messenger page they hand out at the wake. I
know he was a good man,,served his country with
pride. God bless all those who have given their lives
for our country. God bless our troops.
Ed Gungor Feb 18, 2009, 11:53am EST
Thank you for posting that! Many folks don't know this! (Ed's staff) "Thomas"
Glome . . . Feb 18, 2009, 9:24pm EST
Thank you Ashley. A wonderful comment. You're exactly right. There is no way to speak their greatness. And to add to the glory of serving ... most of them are doing so with eagerness and willingness. In spite of the down side, I hope it also changes their lives for good.
I'm glad to get to know you a little. I just spent some time at your site.
Glome . . . Feb 18, 2009, 10:11pm EST
Barbara, I am so sorry. I will come back and see whether or not you wrote an article. Such fresh pain. It makes us all afraid to be so close to pain ... it forces us to know it is real, and may be around the corner. It gives us hope to see someone make it through :)

I pray that God help you and your daughter and the rest of the family heal and find joy in the journey He is taking you through.

Thanks so much for commenting. There are others in the thread that have suffered loss also, but none so fresh. You're such a wonderful writer ... I know this pain will shade your writing in the future.