I knew a man Bojangles

And he'd dance for you

In worn out shoes

The silver hair, a ragged shirt

And baggy pants

The old soft shoe

He'd jump so high, jump so high

Then he'd lightly touch down

Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, Mr. 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

He talked of life, he talked of life

He laughed, and slapped his leg a step

He said his name Bojangles then he danced a lick

Across the cell

He grabbed his pants, for a better stance

Whoa he jumped so high

Then he clicked his heels

He let go and laughed, let go and laughed

Shook back his cloth all around

Mr. Bojangles (3x) Dance

He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs

Throughout the south

Spoke with tears of the 15 years

How his dog and 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 as he shook his head

I heard someone ask "Please"

Mr. Bojangles (3x) Dance