"Mr. Bojangles" lyrics - SAMMY DAVIS, JR.

[Whistling]

I knew a man
Bojangles
And he'd dance for you
In worn out shoes
With silver hair
A ragged shirt
And baggy pants
He would do the old soft shoe
He could jump so high
Jump 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 very eyes of age
As the smoke ran out
Talked of life, lord that man talked of life
Laughed, clicked his heels and stepped

He said his name was "Bojangles"
And he danced a lick
Right across the cell
He grabbed his pants
Took a bitter stance
Jumped up high
That's when he
Clicked his heels
Then he let go a laugh
Lord, he'd let go a laugh
Shook back his clothes all around

Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance

He told me of the times
He worked with minstrel shows
Throughout the south
He spoke with tears
Of fifteen years
How his dog and he
They travel all about
The dog up and died
Dog up and died
And after twenty years he still grieved

He said "I dance
Now and every chance a
Honkey-tonk
For drinks and tips.
But most of the time
I spend behind these country bars
You see son, I drinks a bit."
He shook his head
As he shook his head
I heard someone
Say please, please, please

A-Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance

[Whistle]