V1 I knew a man Bojangles & he'd dance for you, in worn out shoes Silver hair a ragged shirt & baggy pants, the old soft shoe He jumped so high, he jumped so high & then he'd lightly touch down
V2 I met him in a cell in New Orleans, I was down & out He looked to me to be the eyes of age, as he spoke right out He talked of life, he talked of life He laughed, clicked his heels a step
V3 He said his name Bojangles & he danced a lick, across the cell He grabbed his pants a better stance He jumped so high, & he clicked his heels He let go a laugh, he let go a laugh Shook back his clothes all around
V4 He danced for those at minstrel shows & county fairs Throughout the South He spoke through tears of fifteen years how his dog & him Travelled about But his dog up & died, he up & died After 20 years he still grieved
V5 He said I dance now at ev'ry chance in honky tonks For drinks & tips But most the time I spend behind these county bars 'cos I drinks a bit He shook his head, & as he shook his head I heard someone ask please