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 sp 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 
He laughed, clicked his heels and stepped 

Mister Bojangles 
Mister Bojangles 
Mister Bojangles 

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 

He danced for those in minstral 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 

Mister Bojangles 
Mister Bojangles 
Mister 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 
He said I drinks a bit 
He shook his head 
And as he shook his head 
I heard someone ask him please 

Mister Bojangles 
Mister Bojangles 
Mister Bojangles 

Go on dance