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, he talked of life
Then he laughed - slepped his leg a step

He said the name Bojangles then he danced a lick
'Cross the cell
He grabbed his pants, a better stance
Oh he jumped so high
He clicked his heels
He let go laugh, let go laugh
Shook back his cloth all around

Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, dance

He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs
Throughout the south
Spoke with tears of 15 years
How his dog 'n him travelled about
His dog up and died, his dog 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 he shook his head
I heard someone ask "Please"

Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, dance