Taps

Music theme

Taps is military bugle music by Daniel Butterfield

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game
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platform

Alternate names: Butterfield's Lullaby, Day is Done

This famous piece originated during the American Civil War and is officially used by the US military in flag ceremonies and funerals. It is commonly associated with death. Composer Josef Pasternack and actor John Wayne each contributed an additional verse. Taps is related to an early song called "Tattoo" that was used by French buglers to signal "lights out."


Fading light dims the sight
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

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

Then goodnight, peaceful night;
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright.
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, goodnight.

Josef Pasternack addition:
Love, sweet dreams!
Lo, the beams of the light Fairy moon kissed the streams,
Love, Goodnight!
Ah so soon!
Peaceful dreams!

John Wayne addition:
Fading light
Falling night
Trumpet call, as the sun, sinks in fright
Sleep in peace, comrades dear,
God is near.

(download)

Games by year

The first Taps video game was released in 1982.

Platforms

Atari 2600 1