I knew a man Bojangles
And he'd dance 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

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
He spoke right out

He talked of life, he talked of life
He laughed, slapped his leggings down

He said the name Bojangles
And he danced a bit
Across the cell

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

He let go a laugh, he let go a laugh
Shook back his clothes all around

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

He danced for those at
Minstrel shows and county fairs
Throughout the south

He spoke with tears of fifteen years
How his dog and him traveled about

His dog up and died
Lord, 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 drink a bit

He shook his head
And as he shook his head
I heard someone ask please

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