Mr. Bojangles Lyrics - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Review The Song (3)
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.
He jumped so high, jumped 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 eyes of age as the smoke ran out.
He talked of life, talked of life, laughed and clicked his heels in step.
He said his name "Bojangles" and he danced a lick across the cell.
He grabbed his pants, in feathered stance, oh he jumped so high, & then he clicked his heels.
He let go a laugh, 'e let go a laugh, shook back his clothes all around.
(CHORUS)
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, dance...
He danced for those at minstrel shows & county fairs,
throughout the south.
He spoke with tears of 15 years how his dog and him traveled about.
The dog up and died, he up and died, after 20 years he still grieved.
He said I dance now at every chance in honky tonks, for drinks and tips.
But most the time I spend behind these county bars b'cause I drinks a bit.
He shook his head, and as he shook his head, I heard someone ask him please, Pleeaase...
(CHORUS)
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, dance...
With silver hair, a ragged shirt, and baggy pants; the old soft shoe.
He jumped so high, jumped 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 eyes of age as the smoke ran out.
He talked of life, talked of life, laughed and clicked his heels in step.
He said his name "Bojangles" and he danced a lick across the cell.
He grabbed his pants, in feathered stance, oh he jumped so high, & then he clicked his heels.
He let go a laugh, 'e let go a laugh, shook back his clothes all around.
(CHORUS)
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, dance...
He danced for those at minstrel shows & county fairs,
throughout the south.
He spoke with tears of 15 years how his dog and him traveled about.
The dog up and died, he up and died, after 20 years he still grieved.
He said I dance now at every chance in honky tonks, for drinks and tips.
But most the time I spend behind these county bars b'cause I drinks a bit.
He shook his head, and as he shook his head, I heard someone ask him please, Pleeaase...
(CHORUS)
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, dance...
Please Click here to submit the Corrections of Mr. Bojangles Lyrics
Please Click Here to Print Mr. Bojangles Lyrics
Thanks to sylvan@solr.org for submitting Mr. Bojangles Lyrics.
Old man version | Reviewer: Pooldude | 12/28/12
The version with the old mans voice saying " I wonder why it is that a dog don't get to live too long, but he still has to die old " is by Jim Stafford on his Jim Stafford album. Some say Jim Stafford helped Jerry Jeff Walker write this song.
mr bojangles | Reviewer: fostina | 5/27/09
hi..which version and who sings the one that has an old mans voice in it portrayed as mr. bojangles himself...says (i wonder why a mans dog has to die) then also it says...(I drinks a bit) but in the old mans voice
The best yet. | Reviewer: Marcus Tee | 9/28/07
I have searched the web for accurate lyrics to the Dirt Band's version (in my opinion the only version) of this song. So far, you are the only one that has come close to getting it right.
They way I understand this line:
He spoke with tears of 15 years how his dog and him traveled about.
it should be:
He spoke through tears of 15 years how his dog and him traveled about.
and
after 20 years he still grieved.
Should read:
after 20 years he still grieves.
It's really funny to see how many really bad mistakes people make with this song. But you got it right!! Good Job!
Marcus Tee
The following area is only for review, if you want to submit the lyrics or the corrections of the lyrics, please click the link at the end of Mr. Bojangles Lyrics.