I knew a man, Bojangles, and he'd dance for you
In worn out shoes
With silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants
The old soft shoe
He'd jump so high, yes he'd jump so high, then he'd lightly touch down
I met him in a cell in New Orleans, I was
So down and out
He looked to me to be the eyes of age
As he spoke right out
He talked of life, yes he talked of life. He laughed, clicked heels and he stepped
Mister Bojangles
Mister Bojangles
Mister Bojangles
Dance!
He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs
Throughout the South
He spoke through tears of fifteen years how his dog and him
Traveled about
His dog up and died, yes he up and died, after twenty years he still grieved
He said, I dance now at every chance in honky tonks
For drinks and tips
But most my 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
Mister Bojangles
Mister Bojangles
Mister Bojangles
Dance!