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