I knew a man Bojangles and he danced for you In worn out shoes WTH Silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants The old soft shoe He jumped so high He jumped so high Then he'd lightly touched down Mr Bojangles Mr Bojangles Mr 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 He lightly slapped his leg instead He said the name Bojangles and he danced a lick Across the cell He grabbed his pants for a better stance 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 He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs Throughout the south He spoke in tears of fifteen years How his dog and him They travelled about His dog up and died He up and died After twenty years he still grieves He said I dance now at every chance and honky tonks For drinks and tips But most 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