Mr. Bojangles

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

In worn out shoes

With silver hair, and ragged shirt, and baggy pants

The old soft shoe

He jumped so high, jumped so high

Then he’d lightly touch down

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 the smoke ran out

He talked of life, talked of life, laughed

Clicked his heels and stepped

He said his name "Bojangles" and he danced a lick

Across the cell

He grabbed his pants and feathered stance

Oh he jumped so high and then he clicked his heels

He let go a laugh, let go a laugh

Shook back 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 through tears of 15 years how his dog and him

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 in honky tonks

For drinks and tips

But most the time I spend behind these county bars

Cause I drinks a bit"

He shook his head, and as he shook his head

I heard someone ask him please

Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles, dance...