I knew a man Bojangles and he'd dance for you In worn out shoes With silver hair, a ragged shirt, and baggy pants The old soft shoe He jumped so high, jumped so high Then he lightly touched 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 he spoke right out He talked of life, talked of life, he laughed clicked his heels and stepped
He said his name "Bojangles" and he danced a lick across the cell He grabbed his pants and spread his stance, Oh he jumped so high and then he clicked his heels He let go a laugh, let go a laugh and 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 And 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..