Mr. Bojangles

I knew a man Bojangles and he'd dance for you

In worn out shoes

The silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants

He would do that 'Old Soft Shoe'

He'd jump so high, he'd jump so high

Then he'd lightly touch down

Mister Bojangles

Mister Bojangles

Dance

I met him in a cell in New Orleans

I 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

Laughed and slapped his leg a step

Mister Bojangles

Mister Bojangles

Dance

He said the name Bojangles then he danced a lick

All across the cell

He grabbed his pants for a better stance

Oh he jumped so high and clicked up his heels

He let go laugh, he let go laugh

Shook back his clothes all around

Mister Bojangles

Mister Bojangles

Dance

Yeah, dance

He danced for those at 'Minstrel Shows' and County Fairs

Throughout the South

He spoke with tears of fifteen years

How his dog 'n him had just travelled all about

His dog up and died, he up and died

And after twenty years he still grieves

Mister Bojangles

Mister 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"

"Because I drinks a bit"

He shook his head and then he shook his head

I heard someone ask him: "Please"

Mister Bojangles

Mister Bojangles

Dance

Dance

Mister Bojangles, dance