I knew a man Bojangles and he'd dance for you, In worn out shoes, With silver hair, a ragged shirt, and baggy pants The old soft shoe. He jumped so high, jumped so high Then he'd lightly touch 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 he spoke right out He talked of life, talked of life, he laughed, clicked his heels a step (CHORUS) He said his name "Bojangles" then he danced a lick across the cell He grabbed his pants, a better stance, o he jumped so hi, & he clicked his heels He let go a laugh, let go a laugh, shook back his clothes all around (CHORUS) He danced for those at minstrel shows & county fairs, throughout the south He spoke with tears of 15 years how his dog and him traveled about. His dog up and died, up and died, 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 (CHORUS)