I knew a man Bojangles and he'd dance for you
In worn out shoes
With silver hair and ragged shirt and baggy pants
The old soft shoe
He jumped so high
He jumped so high
Then he'd lightly touch down

Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance

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, slapped his leg a step

He said the name Bojangles and he danced a lick
Across the cell
He grabbed his pants, a better stance, oh he jumped so high
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 fifteen years how his dog and him
Traveled about
His 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 o' 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

Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance