I knew a man Bojangles and he danced for you in worn out shoes

With silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants, the old soft shoe

He jumped so high, he jumped so high,

Then he lightly touched down

I met him in a cell in New Orleans, I was - down and out

He looked at 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 a step

Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles, dance!

He said his name, Bojangles, then he danced a lick across the cell

He grabbed his pants a better stance, oh, he jumped up high,

Then he clicked his heels

He let go a laugh, he let go a laugh,

Shook back his clothes all around

Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles, dance!

He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs

Through out the south

He spoke with tears of 15 years how his dog and him

Had traveled about

His dog up and died, he up and died, after 20 years he still grieves

He said I dance now at every chance in honky tonks

For drink and tips

But most of 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 him `Please'

Please ..........

Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles, dance!

Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles

Mr. Bojangles, dance!