Mr Bojangles

Davis Jr. Sammy

I knew a man Bojangles and he danced for you 
In worn out shoes 
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 

We danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs 
Throughout the south 
We 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 

They 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 

Mr Bojangles 
Mr Bojangles 
Mr Bojangles