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 He jumped so high 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 he spoke right out

He talked of life He talked of life laughed, clicked his heels and stepped

He said his name, Bojangles and he danced a lick Across the cell

He grabbed his pants, a better stance Oh, he jumped so high Then he clicked his heels

He let go a laugh He let go a laugh Pushed back his clothes all around

Mr. Bojangles Mr. Bojangles Mr. Bojangles

Dance

He danced for those in minstrel shows and county fairs Throughout the south

He spoke with tears of fifteen years how his dog and him Traveled about

The dog up and died He up and died After twenty 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