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 so 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

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

Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance

He danced for those in minstrel 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

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
Please

Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance