Mr. Bojangles

(album: New Routes - 1970)

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
He'd lightly touch down

Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles, dance

I met him in a park in New Orleans
I was down and out
He looked to me to be the eyes of age
And he spoke right out

He talked of life
He talked of life
He laugh-slapped his leg a step

He said my name's Bojangles
And he danced a lick across the grass
He grabbed his pants a better stance
He jumped so high, 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

He's danced for those at minstrel shows
And county fairs throughout the South
He spoke with tears of fifteen years
How his dog and him traveled about

His dog up and died
He up and died
After twenty years he still grieves

He said "I dance every chance in honky-tonks
For drinks and tips
But most of time I spend behind some gentle spars
'Cause I drink a bit

He shook his head
He shook his head
Heard somebody ask him, "Please"

Mr. Bojangles
Hey, Mr. Bojangles
They shouted "Mr. Bojangles, dance!"

Hey, Mr. Bojangles
Everybody shouted "Mr. Bojangles
Hey, Mr. Bojangles, dance!"