Jerry Jeff Walker

Mr. Bojangles

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

Then he'd lightly touched down

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 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

Shook back his clothes all around

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

Dance

Mr Bojangles