Album: Never Released. Performed liveonly.
Date: Aired on HBO; October 1997
More Info: see news articles, concert reviews

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Mr. Bojangles

I knew a man Bojangles and he danced for you in worn out shoes 
With silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants, the old soft shoe 
He jumped so high, he jumped so high, then he lightly touched down 

Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, dance! 

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 he spoke right out 
He talked of life, he talked of life, he laughed, slapped his leg a step 

He said his name, Bojangles, then he danced a lick across the cell 
He grabbed his pants a better stance, oh, he jumped up high, he clicked his heels 
He let go a laugh, he let go a laugh, shook back his clothes all around 

He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs - throughout the South 
He spoke with tears of fifteen years how his dog and he traveled about 
His dog up and died, he...after twenty years he still grieved 

He said "I dance now at ev'ry chance in honky tonks for - drinks and tips 
But most of the time I spend behind these county bars" - he said "I drinks a bit" 
He shook his head and as he... I heard someone ask "Please:" 

Originally sung by: Sammy Davis, Jr.

Words and music by: Jerry Jeff Walker