Also known as Taps, the Day is Done Gone the Sun has a melody that will be instantly recognizable. The melancholy notes of the solo bugler are generally associated with funerals and grieving now, but this wasn’t always the case.
The song was initially used to indicate the end of the day or to prompt lights out. In more contemporary times it was often played at Scouts camps so the boys knew they had to go to sleep. The alternate name of Taps comes from the Dutch “doe den tap toe” which translates as “turn off the taps”. This refers to the drinking taps being switched off, and soldiers heading to bed.
The melody can be traced back to the early 19th century but it was adopted by the military in 1862 and is now played regularly to show respect to fallen heroes who have given their lives while defending the freedom and faith of their home country.
Day is Done Gone the Sun Lyrics
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, 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 nigh, 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.
Sun has set, shadows come,
Time has fled, Scouts must go to their beds
Always true to the promise that they made.
While the light fades from sight,
And the stars gleaming rays softly send,
To thy hands we our souls, Lord, commend.