This song appears on two albums, and was first released on the Whose Garden Was This? album, and has also been released on the Changes album.



Knew a man Bojangles and he danced for you

In worn out shoes

Silver hair ragged shirt and baggy pants

The old soft shoe



He jumped so high

He jumped so high

And he'd lightly touched down



Mr Bojangles Mr Bojangles Mr Bojangles dance



Met him in a cell

New Orleans he was down and out

He looked to me to be the eyes of age as he

He spoke right out



He talked about life

He talked of life

He lightly slapped his leg instead



He said the name Bojangles and he danced a lick

Across the cell

He grabbed his pants and took a stance

And he jumped so high



He clicked his heels

And he let go a laugh

He let go a laugh

Shook his clothes all around



Mr Bojangles Mr Bojangles Mr Bojangles dance



We danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs

Throughout the south

We spoke in tears of fifteen years

How his dog and him



They travelled about

The dog up and died

He up and died

After twenty years he still grieves



They said I dance now at every chance and honky tonks

For drinks and tips

But most the time I spend behind these county bars

Cause I drinks a bit



And he shook his head now

He shook his head

And I heard someone ask please



Mr Bojangles Mr Bojangles hey Mr Bojangles dance



Words and music by Walker