I knew a man Bojangles
and he danced for you
In worn out shoes
Silver hair ragged shirt
and baggy pants
The old soft shoe
He jumped so high
He jumped so high
Then he'd lightly
touch down
Mr Bojangles
Mr Bojangles
Mr Bojangles
dance
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
He spoke right out
He talked about life
He talked about life
He lightly slapped
his leg and said
He said the name Bojangles
and he danced a lick
Across the cell
He grabbed his pants
and took a stance
And he jumped so high
He clicked his heels
And he let go a laugh
He let go a laugh
Shook his clothes
all around
Mr Bojangles
Mr Bojangles
Mr Bojangles
dance
We danced for those
at minstrel shows
and county fairs
Throughout the South
We spoke in tears
of fifteen years
How his dog and him
They travelled about
The dog up and died
He up and died
After twenty years
he still grieves
He said I dance now
at every chance
and honky tonks
For drinks and tips
But most the time
I spend behind
these county bars
Cause I drinks a bit
And he shook
his head now
He shook his head
I heard someone
ask please
Mr Bojangles
Mr Bojangles
hey Mr Bojangles
dance