 |
 |
 |
 |
   |
 |
| old guest books |
| Click below to |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| BUTTERFIELD TAPS |
|
| THE ORIGIN OF TAPS
It was around the Fourth of July 1862. America was battered and scarred from the Civil War. It would have been hard to comprehend a wounded soldier, in a battlefield hospital tent, was on the verge of creating a historic musical treasure. A single melody, so touching, it would be shared nightly by Union as well as Confederate troops, in spite of their vicious fighting during the day. Daniel Butterfield 1831-1901, then Colonel in the Union Army, wrote on the back of an envelope some musical notes and created a melody that is still in use today. It has undoubtedly been heard and played more than any other song in American history. The melody, originally known as "Lights Out," is known today as "Taps." Butterfield asked Oliver W. Norton, his brigade bugler, to sound "Taps" the night of the same day he composed it. It was so well liked that other buglers came, from as far as Norton's bugle could be heard, to learn how to sound the new bugle call. A few days later "Taps" was sounded for the first time at a military funeral, by the order of CPT John C. Tidwell, for fear the traditional three rifle volleys would provoke new fighting. Between 1871 and 1874 "Taps" became mandatory at all Army funerals. By 1900, all U.S. Military services were using it. It was even adopted by the French Army during World War I. Butterfield was promoted to Major General near the end of the Civil War. He also received America's highest military honor, the "Congressional Medal of Honor," for his distinguished gallantry at Gaines' Mill during the famous "Seven Days'Battles." Few Americans know he was the composer of "Taps," but his gallantry has been reported in many Civil War histories and biographies. "Taps" is and will always be, to me, the saddest song ever written. It is the signal to the military personnel that their day is done and too often their comrade's life is over. This song, I have written, composed, and recorded, is my way of showing and sharing my deepest and heart-filled thanks to and for all my fellow service men and women, and their families, who have paid for our franchise of freedom. It was not until after I had written this song that I became aware Daniel Butterfield was the composer of "Taps," so I proudly titled my work in honor of him. I hope my work is worthy and honorable enough to bear the name of this great American Soldier. "BUTTERFIELD'S TAPS" (The Saddest Song He Ever Wrote) I used to lay in bed..Close my eyes and try to sleep I'd hear that bugle play..Tears ran down my cheek A song that reaches out..For freedom, love and life It represents the bloodshed..And a brave and grieving wife It's a part of you and me..It lives within us all Makes a mother's son..Grow up standing tall Every time I hear it..I get a lump in my throat To me, it will always be..The saddest song he ever wrote So, the next time you hear it..Hear that bugle sound Close your eyes and say a prayer..For those buried in the ground And Arlington take care of them..Beneath those crosses white Those who fought and died for us..Who lay sleeping there tonight ) 1984 Harvey Derrick |
|
|
| SONG WAS WRITTEN AND RECORDED BY HARVEY DERRICK CLICK ON PHOTO TO VISIT HIS SITE AND BUY HIS MUSIC |
 |
| THANK YOU SO MUCH HARVEY FOR LETTING ME USE THIS GREAT SONG!!!!! |
