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 lightly touched down.
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 the smoke ran out.
He talked of life, talked of life, he laughed clicked his heels and stepped.
He said his name “Bojangles” and he danced a lick across the cell
He grabbed his pants and feathered stance, oh he jumped so high
And 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 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 after twenty years he still grieves.
He 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 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!
1968 – Jerry Jeff Walker – Performed by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – Album: Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy