The term Military Melody is often used to refer to the song 'Taps', which is a four-letter word. Taps is a bugle call most often played at military funerals, as well as other ceremonies. It is also sometimes referred to as a 'lights out' call, as it is traditionally played at the end of the day to signal that lights should be turned off. The melody is believed to have originated during the American Civil War, and has since become an iconic symbol of the military.