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, he 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, and slapped his leg a step

Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles, dance!

He said his name, Bojangles

then he danced a lick across the cell

He grabbed his pants

a better stance

Oh, he jumped up high

he clicked his heels

He let go a laugh, he let go a laugh

Shook back his clothes all around

He danced for those

At minstrel shows and county fairs

Throughout the south

He spoke with tears of 15 years

How his dog and he traveled about

His dog up and died, he up and died

After 20 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

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, dance!