Lyrics Mr. Bojangles - Steve Earle

I knew a man, Bojangles and he'd dance for you
In wornout shoes
Silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants
The old soft shoe

He jumped so high, jumped so high
And 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
And he spoke right out

He talked of life, he talked of life
Laugh-slapped his leg in step

He said the name, Bojangles, and he danced a lick
Across the cell
He grabbed his pants, a better stance, and he jumped so high
And then he clicked his heels

He let go a laugh, let go a laugh
Shook his clothes back all around

Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance

He's danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs
Throughout the South
He spoke with tears of 15 years how his dog and him
Traveled about

And dog up and died, all up and died
After 20 years he still grieves

He said, now I dance at every chance in honky-tonks
For drinks and tips
But most of the time I spend behind these county bars
'Cause I drinks a bit

He shook his head, as he shook his head
I heard someone ask him "Please, please"

Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance

Dance