Tom T. Hall
Mr. Bo Jangles
[Verse 1:]
I met a man Bojangles and he danced for you in worn out shoes
He had silver hair and ragged shirt and baggy pants
The old soft shoe
He jumped so high, he jumped so high then he'd lightly touch down
I met the man down in New Orleans, I was down and out
He seemed to me to be the eyes of sage as he spoke right out
He talked of life, yes, he talked of life, laughed
Clicked his heels in step
He said the name's Bojangles then he danced a lick across the cell
He grabbed his pants in favorite stance
And jumped so high and he clicked his heels
He let go a laugh ha ha he let go a laugh
Shook back his clothes all around
[Chorus:]
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles come on dance
[Verse 2:]
He worked for those at country shows
And county fairs throughout the south
He spoke with tears of fifteen years when his dog
And him traveled about
His dog up and died I don't know just up
And died after twenty years
He still grieves
He said now I dance at every chance in them
Honky tonks for drinks and tips
But most the time I spend behind the county bars
Cause I drink so bit
He shook his head and as he shook his head
I heard someone ask please
[Chorus]