"Mr. Bojangles" lyrics - HARRY NILSSON

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
Jump so high
Jump 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 very eyes of age
As he spoke right out
Talked of life, talked of life
Laughed, slapped his leg and stepped

He said the name "Bojangles"
And he danced a lick
Across the cell
Grabbed his pants
A better stance
And wow he jumped up high
Clicked his heels
He let go a laugh
Let go a laugh
Shook back his clothes all around

Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance

He danced with those at minstrel
Shows & county fairs
Throughout The South
He spoke with tears
Of fifteen years
Of how his dog and him
Had traveled about
His dog up and died
He up and died
After twenty years he still grieves

He said, "I dance
Now and every chance at
Honky-tonks
For drinks and tips.
But most of time
I spend behind these country bars
'Cause I drinks a bit."

He shook his head
And as he shook his head
I heard someone ask please

Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance