Mr. Bojangles

I knew a man Bojangles, and he'd dance for you, in worn-out shoes

Silver hair, ragged shirt and baggy pants, the old soft shoe

He jumped so high, he jumps so high

Then he'd lightly touch down

Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles, dance

Met him in a cell, in New Orleans it 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 of life

He laughed, slapped his leg and stepped

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

He let go a laugh, he let go a laugh

Shook his clothes all around

Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles, dance

He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs, throughout the South

He spoke in tears of 15 years how his dog and him, they traveled about

The dog up and died, he up and died

After 20 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 drink a bit

And he shook his head now, he shook his head

And I heard someone ask, "Please"

Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles

Hey, Mr. Bojangles, dance