Knew a man Bojangles and he danced 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 instead

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
And he spoken in tears of 15 years how it's dogging 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, Mr Bojangles dance