On The Origin Of Taps

Martin's fine tribute to "The Unknown Soldier" in France brought to mind a Poem of mine that's similar in many ways but would probably be difficult to put to music because of the change in rythems between it's two sections, although I believe that it could be done, so I think it deserves consideration as a Song Lyric as well

On The Origin Of "Taps

A land divided......
A conflict begun,
Brother faced brother,
And father fought son,
When all was decided,
The grieving went on,

For Dad was a Yankee,
His son was a Reb,
And when the son's body
Was found ‘midst the dead,
No honors were granted
For one so misled,

T'was wrong to honor an enemy
Yet a son still deserved to be mourned,
And though no military band could play
For one who deserved to be scorned,

One lone bugler was authorized,
To play a few notes o'er his grave
And he played those notes so hauntingly
As Union and Rebel flags waved,

That, along with the words that the father wrote down,
A traditional tribute was born.
Today we call that tribute "Taps"
And play it for all who pass on.

Copyright © 6 Sep 2005 James R. Hoye

Thanks for the comments, Martin.

I think I'm satisfied with the length, at least when considering it as a poem, but I'll certainly consider trying to extend it a little, (probably as a bridge of some sorts between the sections).

If I come up with something, I may be getting back to you on your offer. The concept of using the bugle in the background is intriguing.

Write On,

Jim Hoye, (JRH)

Hi again, Martin,

Here is a tentative solution to extending this. I doubt it will be the final one as it's almost sure to change as I give it more thought, but I think it may do for a starting point.

******

On The Origin Of "Taps

A land divided......
A conflict begun,
Brother faced brother,
And father fought son,
When all was decided,
The grieving went on,

For Dad was a Yankee,
His son was a Reb,
And when the son's body
Was found ‘midst the dead,
No honors were granted
For one so misled,

Yet a Father's grief
Was hard to deny,
And no one really
Wanted to try,
So, in time,
They worked out a compromise.

T'was wrong to honor an enemy
Yet a son still deserved to be mourned,
And though no military band could play
For one who deserved to be scorned,

One lone bugler was authorized,
To play a few notes o'er his grave,
And he played those notes so hauntingly
As Union and Rebel flags waved,

That, along with the words that the father wrote down,
A traditional tribute was born.
Today we call that tribute "Taps"
And play it for all who pass on.

Copyright © 6 Sep 2005 James R. Hoye

If you really want to put music to this, feel free to give it a try.

JRH

You've got it. I'll be interested in seeing what you come up with.

JRH

Hi Mike,

It was the "legend" that inspired me to write it. There are at least 3 versions of the story out there. I just hope I've done it justice.

JRH

Hi Martin,

I have to admit that I couldn't understand what you were singing in some of the earlier verses but overall I like the ambiance of it.

I particularly liked the spoken sections and can't help but wonder if the whole thing might be better done that way with the music providing a backdrop.

There was a tribute song done here in the US in the 60s by Wink Martindale that did precisely that and was quite successful but I'll be darned if I can remember it's name.

My only other comment was that, although I like the ending, I do feel that it goes on a little longer than necessary.


It might need some more work, but it wouldn't exist in this form at all without your effort, and it's appreciated.

All and all, well done, and I thank you.

Jim Hoye, (JRH)