Mr. Bojangles

[Verse 1]

I knew a man

"Bojangles" and

He'd dance for you

In worn out shoes

Silver hair

A ragged shirt

And baggy pants

He did the old Soft Shoe

He jumped so high, jumped so high

And then he'd lightly touch down

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles

Dance

[Verse 2]

I met him in

A cell in New Orleans

I was

I was down and out

He looked to me

To be

About the eyes of age

As he spoke right out

He talked of his life, he talked of life

Laugh-slapped his leg in step

[Verse 3]

He said the name

"Bojangles" and

He danced a lick

Across the cell

Then he grabbed his pants

Prepared a stance

And jumped up 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

Oh now, Mr. Bojangles

Come on and dance

[Verse 4]

He danced for those

At minstrel shows

And county fairs

Throughout the South

He spoke in tears

Of fifteen years

How his dog and him

They traveled about

'TIl that dog up and died, Lord, he up and died

After twenty years he still grieves

[Verse 4]

And now he danced

At every chance

In honky-tonks

For drinks and tips

But most of the time

I spend behind

These county bars

Hell, I drink a beer

He shook his head, and as he shook his head

I heard someone ask him, "Please?

"Oh Mr. Bojangles

"Oh Mr. Bojangles

"Oh now, Mr. Bojangles

"Come one and dance"

[Outro]

I knew a man

"Bojangles" and

He'd dance for you