"Mr. Bojangles" lyrics

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, Lord, he jumped so high
Then he'd lightly touch down

I met him in a cell in New Orleans, he was
Down and out
He looked to me to be like the eyes of age
As he spoke right out
He talked of life, oh, how he talked of life
Then he laughed and slapped his leg a step

Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance

He said his name Bojangles and he danced a lick
'Cross the cell
Grabbed his pants, took a better stance and he jumped so high
Clicked his heels
He let go a laugh, Lord, he let go a laugh
Shook back his clothes all around

He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs
Throughout the South
He spoke with tears of fifteen years how his dog and he
Traveled about
His dog up and died, oh, he up and died
After twenty years, he still grieves

Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance

He said, "I dance now at every chance in honky-tonks
For drinks and tips"
But most the time he spends behind these county bars
'Cause he drinks a bit
He shook his head, and as he shook his head
I heard someone ask, "Please

"Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Is gonna dance"