Lyrics
I knew a man Bojangles and he'd dance for you, in worn out shoes
Silver hair, and ragged shirt and baggy pants, the old soft shoe
He jumped so high, he jumped so high, and then he'd lightly touch 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 the smoke ran out
He talked of life, he 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 feathered stance
Oh he jumped so high, and then 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 15 years how his dog and him
Travelled about
The dog up and died, he up and died
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"
Please
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles, dance