Lyrics:

I knew a man Bojangles and he'd dance for you
In worn out shoes
Silver hair, and 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, laughed
then clicked his heels and stepped

He said his name Bojangles and he danced a lick across the cell
He grabbed his pants and favored stance,
'Fore he jumped so high and then he clicked his heels
He let go a laugh, let go a laugh
and 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 with tears of 15 years how his dog and him
traveled about
The dog up and died, he up and died
And after 20 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

Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles, dance...