You know I knew a man Bojangles and he'd dance for you
In worn out shoes, silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants
He'd do the old soft shoe
He'd jump so high, you know he'd jump so high
And he'd lightly touch down
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, come on down
I met him in a cell down 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, yes he talked of life
He laughed and slapped his leg a step
He said the name Bojangles and then he danced a lick
Across the cell
Hey he grabbed his pants for a better stance
Oh he jumped up high, high
He clicked his heels
He let go a laugh, you know he let go a laugh
Shook back his clothes all around
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, come on down
You know I knew a man Bojangles and he'd dance for you
In worn out shoes, silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants
He'd do the old soft shoe
He'd jump so high, you know he'd jump so high
And he'd lightly touch down
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, come on down
He said I dance now at every chance in the honky tonks
For drinks and tips
But most of 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 please
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, come on down