Mr. Bojangles

I knew a man, Bojangles and

He'd dance for you

In worn-out shoes

Silver hair

A ragged shirt

And baggy pants

The old Soft Shoe

He jumped so high

He jumped so high

Then he'd lightly touch down

I met him in a cell in New Orleans, he was

Down and out

He looked to me, to be

The eyes of age

As he spoke right out

He talked of life

He talked of life

He laugh-slapped his leg a step

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles

Dance

He said his name Bojangles and

He danced a lick

Across the cell

He grabbed his pants

A better stance

And jumped so high

Clicked his heels

He let go a laugh

Let go a laugh

Shook back his clothes all around

He's danced for those at minstrel shows

And county fairs

Throughout the South

He spoke with tears

Of fifteen years

How his dog and him

They traveled about

His dog up and died

He up and died

After twenty years he still grieves

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles

Dance

He said I dance now at every chance

In honky-tonks

For drinks and tips

But most of the time

I spend behind

These county bars

'Cause I drinks a bit

He shook his head

And as he shook his head

I heard someone ask, please?

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles

Go on and dance