[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, jumped so high
Then he’d lightly touch down

[Verse 2]
I met him in a cell in New Orleans he was
Down and out
He looked to me to be the eyes of age
As he spoke right out
He talked of life, talked of life
Laughed, slapped his leg and stepped

[Verse 3]
He said his name "Bojangles" and he danced a lick
Across the cell
Grabbed his pants and feathered stance, and he jumped up high
Clicked his heels
He let go a laugh, let go a laugh
Shook back his clothes all around

[Chorus]
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles, dance
[Verse 4]
He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs
Throughout the south
Spoke with tears of 15 years of how his dog and him
Traveled about
The dog up and died, up and died
After 20 years he still grieves

[Verse 5]
He said, "I dance now ev'ry chance in honky tonks
For drinks and tips
But most the time I spend behind these county bars
'Cause I drinks a bit"
Shook his head, as he shook his head
I heard someone ask, "Please

[Chorus]
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles, dance"