Mr. Bojangles

I knew a man Bojangles, and he'd dance for you, in worn-out shoes Silver hair, ragged shirt and baggy pants, the old soft shoe He jumped so high, he jumps so high Then he'd lightly touch down Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles Mr. Bojangles, dance 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, he talked of life He laughed, slapped his leg and stepped 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 He spoke in tears of 15 years how his dog and him, they traveled about The dog up and died, he up and died After 20 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 And he shook his head now, he shook his head And I heard someone ask, "Please" Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles Hey, Mr. Bojangles, dance