Mr. Bojangles lyrics

Song information

Artist: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Album: Twenty Years Of Dirt

Lyrics

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
And 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 the smoke ran out
He talked of life, talked of life, laughed and clicked his heels in step

He said his name "bojangles" and he danced a lick across the cell
He grabbed his pants, in feathered stance, oh he jumped so high, & then he clicked his heels
He let go a laugh, 'e let go a laugh, shook back his clothes all around

(Chorus)
Mr. bojangles, mr. bojangles, mr. bojangles, dance..

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
The dog up and died, he up and died, after 20 years he still grieved

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 b'cause I drinks a bit
He shook his head, and as he shook his head, I heard someone ask him please, pleeaase..

(Chorus)
Mr. bojangles, mr. bojangles, mr. bojangles, dance..