Lyrics:

(Jim Stafford)
Hey Chuck, let me have another cup of that stuff you call coffee.
You believe this rain?
You know that last time I was in Louisiana the weather was just like this.
Was that was back when I was spending most of my days on freight trains,
And most of my nights in jail.
Say you ever meet somebody as soon as you see 'em you know they're gonna touch your life?
Well I met an old man back then, and I'll never forget him.

It was in a county jail down in New Orleans
I was down and out
He said his name was Bojangles, and he danced a lick
And he whirled about
And he let go a laugh, he let go a laugh
And then he shook back his clothes all around

He said he was in a dancing mood, and he did another step or two
In worn out shoes
He had silver hair, a ragged shirt, and baggy pants
And he could do that old soft shoe
And he could jump so high, he jumped so high
And then he'd just lightly touch down

Aw Mr. Bojangles
He sure could dance

He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs
Throughout the south
And he spoke in tears of how 15 years how his dog and him
Traveled about
And his dog up and died, just up and died
And after 20 years, he still grieves

(Mr. Bojangles)
Er now I dance every chance I can, down to the honky tonk
You know maybe for drinks or tips
But most of my time I spend right here 'hind these county bars
Eh you see I drinks a bit
But there was a time, was there a time
New suits and dancing shoes, one day we'd be here, next day we may be anywhere
Me and little Spotty, we seen it all

I wonder why it is that a dog don't get to live too long
But he still has to die old
I reckon just as well 'cause
I wouldn't want little Spotty to see me like I am now anyway
But you know something mister?
I sure do miss that old dog

(Singing)
He shook his head, as he shook his head, I heard someone say please
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles,
Dance

(Girl)
Mister? Mister! You asleep mister?

(Jim Stafford)
No. No I was just visiting with an old friend.