I knew a man Bojangles

And he danced for you

In worn out shoes

With silver hair, a ragged shirt

And baggy pants, the old soft shoe

He jumped so high, he jumped so high

Then he lightly touched down



I met him in a cell in New Orleans

I was down and out

He looked at me to be the eyes of age

As he spoke right out

He talked of life, he talked of life

He laughed, slapped his leg a step



He said his name, Bojangles

And he danced a lick across the cell

He grabbed his pants

in fettered stance

Oh, he jumped up high

Then 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 15 years

How his dog and him traveled about

His dog up and died, he up and died

After 20 years he still grieves



He said I dance now

At every chance in honky tonks

For drink and tips

But most of 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!