Mr. Bojangles

I knew a man Bojangles and he danced for you

In worn out shoes

With silver hair, a ragged shirt, and baggy pants

The old soft shoe

He jumped so high, jumped so high

Then he lightly touched down

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

Down and out

He looked at me to be the eyes of age

As he spoke right out

He talked of life, he talked of life

He laughed, slapped his leg a step

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles danced

He said his name Bojangles, then he danced a lick

Across the cell

He grabbed his pants, a fettered stance, oh, how he jumped up high

He clicked his heels

He let go a laugh

Let go a laugh

He stood up and shook back his clothes all around

He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs

Throughout the south

He spoke with tears of fifteen years how his dog and he

Traveled about

His dog up and died

He just up and died

After twenty years, he still grieves

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles danced

He said I dance now at every chance in honky tonks

For the drinks and tips

But most of the time I spent behind these country bars

He said, "I drinks a bit"

He shook his head

And as he shook his head

I heard someone respectfully ask

Please

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles danced