I met a man Bojangles and he danced for you in worn out shoes
He had silver hair and ragged shirt and baggy pants the old soft shoe
He jumped so high he jumped so high then he'd lightly touch down

I met the man down in New Orleans I was down and out
He seemed to me to be the eyes of sage as he spoke right out
He talked of life yes he talked of life laughed picked his heels in step

He said the name's Bojangles then he danced a lick across the cell
He grabbed his pants in favorite stance and jumped so high and he clicked his heels
He let go a laugh ha ha he let go a laugh shook back his clothes all around
Mr Bojangles Mr Bojangles Mr Bojangles come on dance

He worked for those at country shows and county fairs throughout the south
He spoke with tears of fifteen years when his dog and him traveled about
His dog up and died I don't know just up and died after twenty years he still grieves

He said now I dance at every chance in them honky tonks for drinks and tips
But most the time I spend behind the county bars cause I drink so bit
He shook his head and as he shook his head I heard someone ask please
Mr Bojangles Mr Bojangles Mr Bojangles come on dance