Could it be something like...

I was sailing down the river in my little red canoe. Revenue man was waitin' there for me. I was feelin' rather frisky when he caught me with the whiskey, Now I'll see you when the roses bloom again.

CHORUS When the roses bloom again beside the river, etc.

These's also "When the Roses Bloom Again Beside the River" about a soldier who has to leave his sweetheart, is mortally wounded, and asks the captain to return his body home. No mention of bootleggers in this one.

....Tiger