I knew a man bojangles and he'd dance for you
in worn out shoes
the silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants
that old soft shoe
he'd jump so high, he'd jump so high
then he'd lightly touch down
mister bojangles
mister 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
laughed and slapped his leg a step
mister bojangles
mister bojangles
dance
He said the name bojangles then he danced a lick
all across the cell
he grabbed his pants for a better stance
oh he jumped so high and clicked up his heels
he let go laugh, he let go laugh
shook back his clothes all around
mister bojangles
mister bojangles
dance
yeah, dance

he danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs
throughout the south
he spoke with tears of fifteen years
how his dog 'n him had just travelled all about
his dog up and died, he up and died
and after twenty years he still grieves
mister bojangles
mister bojangles
dance
He said i dance now at every chance in honky tonks
for drinks and tips
but most of the time i spend behind these county bars
cause i drinks a bit
he shook his head, and then he shook his head
i heard someone ask him: "please"
mister bojangles
mister bojangles
dance
Mister bojangles dance