I knew a man Bojangles
and he'd dance for you
in worn out shoes
Silver hair,ragged shirt
and baggy pants,that old soft shoe
He'd jump so high,he'd jump so high
then he lightly touched down
I met him in a cell in New Orleans
so 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
laughing slapped his leg stale
He said the name Bojangles
and he danced a lick
all across the cell
He grabbed his pants for a better stance
and he jumped so high
he clicked his heels
He let go laugh,he let go laugh
who shook back his clothes all around
Mr.Bojangles,Mr.Bojangles
Mr.Bojangles,come on dance.
He danced for those at minstrel shows
and county fairs throught out the south
He spoke with tears of 15years
of how his dog and him
just travelled all about
His dog up and died,he up and died
and after 20years he still grieves
He said I dance every chance
at honky-tonks for drinks and tips
But most of the time
I spend behind these county bars
cause I drink so bit
He shook his head
yes he shook his head
I heard someone ask him,please,
Mr.Bojangles,Mr.Bojangles
Mr Bojangles,come on dance
come on dance