I knew a man Bojangles
Am A7
And he’d dance for you
F G G7
In worn out shoes
C Em
The silver hair, a ragged shirt
Am A7
And baggy pants
F G G7
The old soft shoe
F G E7 Am A7
He’d jump so high, jump so high
D9 G G7
Then he’d lightly touch down
Am G Am G Am G C Em Am C
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, dance
The rest of the song follows the same pattern. The lyrics I am posting
are the original J.J. Walker lyrics, Dylan made a slight change here
and there.
I met him in a cell in New Orleans
I was down and out
He looked to (Dylan: at) me to be the eyes of age
As he spoke right out
He talked of life, he talked of life
Then he laughed – slepped his leg a step
He said the name Bojangles then he danced a lick
‘Cross the cell
He grabbed his pants,(Dylan: for) a better stance
Oh (Dylan: then) he jumped so high
He clicked his heels
He let go laugh, let go laugh
Shook back his cloth all around
Mr. Bojangles (3x)
Dance
He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs
Throughout the south
Spoke with tears of 15 years
How his dog ‘n him travelled about
His dog up and died, his dog up and died
After 20 years he still grieves
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
‘Cause (Dylan: For) I drinks a bit
He shook his head, and he shook his head
I heard someone ask “Please”
Mr. Bojangles (3x)
Dance
Dance
