Mr. Bojangles

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, jumped so high Then he'd lightly touch down I met him in a cell in New Orleans He 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 and stepped Mr. Bojangles Mr. Bojangles Mr. Bojangles, dance He said his name Bojangles and he danced a lick Across the cell He grabbed his pants, a better stance And jumped so high, clicked his heels He let go a laugh, let go a laugh Shook back his clothes all around He danced for those in minstrel shows And county fairs Throughout the south He spoke with tears of fifteen years How his dog and he traveled about His dog up and died, he up and died After twenty years he still grieves Mr. Bojangles Mr. Bojangles Mr. Bojangles, dance 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 'Cause I drinks a bit" He shook his head And as he shook his head I heard someone ask, "Please" Mr. Bojangles Mr. Bojangles Mr. Bojangles Go on and dance