I knew a man Bojangles
And he'd dance 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
Then 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 laughed, slapped his leggings down
He said the name Bojangles
And he danced a bit
Across the cell
He grabbed his pants
For a better stance
Oh, he jumped so 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 traveled about
His dog up and died
Lord, 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 county bars
Cause I drink a bit
He shook his head
And as he shook his head
I heard someone ask please
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles, dance