I 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 jumps so high, jumps so high

Then he'd lightly touch down

Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles dance I met him in a cell, in New Orleans it was

Down and out

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

He spoke right out

He talked about life, talked of life

He laughed, 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

He let go a laugh, he let go a laugh

Shook his clothes all around

Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles dance He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs

Throughout the South

And he spoken in tears of fifteen years how it's dogging him

They 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 and 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 now, he shook his head

I heard someone ask please

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