Forget the lyric, it the melody that is so haunting and beautiful, and the best rendition of it is by George Shearing. But the roses have bloomed a long time-94 years it is now. An English Captain met an fell in love with a french woman who was widowed by the war. He was inspired to write the music. The lyrics were added in l916 and the song became a favorite of the Brits. This is incomplete. Somebody add the names. Haydn was the first name.