Lyrics:

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.