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'd lightly touched down
Mister Bojangles, Mister Bojangles
Mister 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
As he spoke right out
Talked of life, he talked of life
He laughed, slapped his leg a step
He said the name "Bojangles" and he danced a lick
Across the cell
He grabbed his pants, a better stance
Oh, he jumped so high
He clicked his heels
Let go a laugh, he let go a laugh
Shook back his clothes all around
Mister Bojangles, Mister Bojangles
Mister Bojangles - dance!
He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs
Throughout the South
He spoke through tears of fifteen years how his dog and him
Traveled about
The dog up and died, he up and died
Twenty years he still grieves
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've drinks a bit"
He shook his head, and as he shook his head
I heard someone ask, please
Mister Bojangles, Mister Bojangles
Mister Bojangles - dance!
Mister Bojangles, Mister Bojangles
Mister Bojangles - dance!