Mr. Bojangles

I knew a man, Bojangles, and he danced for you

In worn-out shoes

Silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants

The old soft-shoe

He jumped so high

He jumped so high

He'd lightly touch down

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. 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

He spoke right out

He talked of life

He talked of life

He laugh slapped his leg a step

He said the name Bojangles and he danced a lick

Across the cell

He grabbed his pants for a better stance, he jumped up high

He clicked his heels

He let go a laugh

He 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 with tears of fifteen years, how his dog and him

They traveled about

His dog up and died

He up and died

After twenty 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 country bars

'Cause I drink a bit"

He shook his head

Yes, he shook his head

I heard someone ask, "Please

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles

Dance"

I knew a man, Bojangles, and he danced for you

In worn-out shoes

Silver hair and baggy pants and ragged shirt

The old soft-shoe

He jumped so high

He jumped so high

Then he'd lightly touch down

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles

Ah, Mr. Bojangles

Dance

That is a beautiful song

You wrote that?