I knew a man,

Bojangles and he danced for you

In worn out shoes

Silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants

The old soft shoe

He jumped so high, jumped so high

Then he'd lightly touch down

I met him in a cell in New Orleans,

He was down and out

He looked to me to be the eyes of age

As he spoke right out

He talked of life, he talked of life

He laughed, slapped his leg and stepped

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles, dance

He said his name,

Bojangles and he danced a lick

Across the cell

He grabbed his pants, a better stance

And jumped so high, clicked his heels

He let go a laugh Let go a laugh

Shook back his clothes all around

He danced for those in minstrel shows

And county fairs

Throughout the south

He spoke with tears of fifteen years

How his dog and he traveled about

His dog up and died he up and died

After twenty years he still grieves

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles, dance

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, please

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles

Go on and dance