[Verse 1]
I knew a man
Bojangles and
He'd dance for you
In worn out shoes
Silver hair
A ragged shirt
And baggy pants
The old soft shoe

He jumped so high, he jumped so high
Then he'd lightly touch down

Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance

[Verse 2]
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
He laugh-slapped his leg in step

[Verse 3]
He said the name
"Bojangles" and
He danced a lick
Across the cell
He grabbed his pants
A better stance
Whoa he jumped so high
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

[Verse 4]
He danced for those
At minstrel shows
And county fairs
Throughout the South
He spoke with tears
Of fifteen years
How his dog and him
Traveled about
His dog up and died, he up and died
After twenty years he still grieves

[Verse 5]
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 as he shook his head
I heard someone ask, "Please

"Mr. Bojangles
"Mr. Bojangles
"Mr. Bojangles
"Dance"