Mr. Bojangles

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 loved to make hills in the sand

Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance

He danced for those at minstrel shows and at county fairs
Throughout the south
We spoke with tears of 15 years
How his dog and him travelled about
His dog up and died, it was stopped and died
After 20 years, he still grieves

They said I dance now at every chance and honky-tonks
For drinks and tips
But most of the time I spend behind these county bars
And I drink a bit
He shook his head and as he shook his head
I heard someone ask please

Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance