Jerry Jeff Walker - Mr. Bojangles

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 jumped so high, jumped so high

Then he'd lightly touched down

Mister Bojangles, 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

Talked of life, he talked of life

He laughed, slapped his leg a step

He said the name "Bojangles" and he danced a lick

Across the cell

He grabbed his pants, a better stance

Oh, he jumped so high

He clicked his heels

Let go a laugh, he let go a laugh

Shook back his clothes all around

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

The dog up and died, he up and died

Twenty years he still grieves

Said, "I dance now at every chance in honky tonks

For drinks and tips

But most the time I spend behind these county bars

'Cause I've drinks a bit"

He shook his head, and as he shook his head

I heard someone ask, please

Mister Bojangles, Mister Bojangles

Mister Bojangles - dance!

Mister Bojangles, Mister Bojangles

Mister Bojangles - dance!

• Artist:Jerry Jeff Walker