Words to Taps

Am Shooting Journal ^ | 11/12/2018 | D Breteau

[w1n1]

The story and origin of the bugle call known as "Taps" can be found in many versions, including the legend of a son fighting on the opposing side of the Civil War from his father.
This legend depicts a Northern boy who was killed fighting for the Confederates.
His father, Robert Ellicombe, a captain in the Union Army, came upon his son’s body and found the notes to “Taps” in the pocket of the dead boy’s uniform.

When Union General Daniel Sickles heard the story, he had the notes played at the boy’s funeral.
While this very short version of the legend is deeply meaningful to anyone who reads it, historical documents show us another story.

According to tactics manuals of the time, as well as letters on record, “Taps” was a modified version of a previously known Scottish “tattoo.” The term tattoo was originally a form of military music.
The tattoo titled “Extinguish Lights,” meaning lights out at the end of the day, was played each night for the troops even before the Civil War and was borrowed from the French.

This is documented in Silas Casey’s (1801-82) tactics manual, among others of the time.
The song was even referred to as the “go to sleep” song by the soldiers.
To look back even further into history you will find that the word tattoo was most likely derived from an early 17th century Dutch phrase “doe den tap toe,” meaning, "turn off the tap." Read the rest of Military Taps.

[This I Wonder32460]

Thank you. I love learning things like this. Enjoy the day. *:)

[b4me]

Brownie troops (used to) sing the first verse at end of meetings

[SES1066]

I am quite confident that your facts are accurate but sometimes, as the old newspaper editor once said, there are times to print the legend. In this case it is the piece that the late, great John Wayne spoke on his patriotic LP about the origin of Taps by Colonel Dan Butterfield. Actually, for me, it is to hear that voice of JW once again!

John Wayne Taps

And for a variation, there is also "Il Silenzio", obviously(?) based upon the original done by Andre Rieu's Orchestra.

Il Silenzio - Roger Diederen & Andre Rieu Orchestra

[Fiji Hill]

"Lights Out March" is based on "Taps" and even features the bugle call in the trio. Fans of the University of California-Berkeley Golden Bears adore this tune, but they know it under another name.

Lights Out--Arthur Pryor's Band (1911)

[Fiji Hill]

In the summer and fall of 1965, trumpeter Nini Rosso's version of "Il Silenzio" was a monster hit throughout Europe. However, it made no impact in the US--I don't believe it was even released here. After hearing it on the radio and on juke boxes in Germany, France and Spain in the fall of '65, I would not hear it again until the Internet came along four decades later.

"Il Silenzio"--Nini Rosso (1965)

[Big Red Badger]

Taps ,
History.

[Ozark Tom]

MEL CARTER - “TAPS”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ccduz30yvd0