An Army Bugler Plays 'Taps'
Army Sgt. Maj. Woody English, bugler for the U.S. Army Band.
On this holiday honoring American military members who have given their lives, Fred Child talks with Army Sgt. Maj. Woody English, who plays the bugle in the Army Band and is charged with the responsibility of playing "Taps." English talks about the origins of the song during the Civil War, as well as the new "digital bugle" that plays his recording of "Taps" at U.S. military funerals with the push of a button. Following the interview is a performance of composer James Curnow's "Concertpiece," featuring English as the trumpet soloist.
The Words to 'Taps'
Day is done,
Gone the sun,
From the hills,
From the lake,
From the skies.
All is well,
Safely rest,
God is nigh
Go to sleep,
Peaceful sleep,
May the soldier
Or sailor,
God keep.
On the land
Or the deep,
Safe in sleep.
Love, good night,
Must thou go,
When the day,
And the night
Need thee so?
All is well.
Speedeth all
To their rest.
Fades the light;
And afar
Goeth day,
And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well,
Day has gone,
Night is on.
Thanks and praise,
For our days.
'Neath the sun,
'Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.
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