[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

[Refrain 1]
He jumped so high
He jumped so high
And lightly touch down

[Verse 2]
I met him in a cell in New Orleans I was
Down and out
He looked to me to be the very eyes of age
And he spoke right out

[Refrain 2]
He talked of life
He talked of life
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, and he jumped so high
And then he clicked his heels
[Refrain 3]
He let go a laugh
Let go a laugh
Shook his clothes back all around

[Chorus]
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance

[Verse 4]
He's danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs
Throughout the South
He spoke with tears of fifteen years how his dog and him
They traveled about

[Refrain 4]
His dog up and died
All 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"
[Refrain 5]
He shook his head
As he shook his head
I heard someone ask, "Please, please?

[Chorus]
"Mr. Bojangles
"Mr. Bojangles
"Mr. Bojangles
"Dance"
Dance