The uncommonly beautiful melody of this song quite probably achieved its most widespread recognition through the highly successful instrumental version by clarinetist Acker Bilk. That was how I first heard the tune, and my only acquaintance with it for some time. I doubt that I'm alone in being captivated by the enchanting melody, nor in thinking that whatever words (if any) that it might have would be lilting and happy, possibly ecstatically so. But on finally hearing a vocal version, I was astounded to find that it is actually a heart-rending lament about lost love.