Mr. Bojangles
Author: Jerry Jeff Walker
Notes: In 3. Bass Run: 3/6 0/5 2/5
 
C Em Am C/G
C Em Am C/G
C Em Am C/G I knew a man Bojangles and he danced for you
F ‑ G Run In worn out shoes
C Em Am C/G With silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants,
F ‑ G ‑ (He did) the old soft shoe
Am ‑ Em E Am ‑ He jumped so high, (he) jumped so high,
D ‑ G G/A G/B Run Then he lightly touched down
Am ‑ G Run Mr. Bojangles
Am ‑ G Run Mr. Bojangles,
Am ‑ G Run Mr. Bojangles,
C Em Am C/G Dance!
C Em Am C/G I met him in a cell in New Orleans, I was
F ‑ G Run Down and out
C Em Am C/G He looked to me to be the eyes of age
F ‑ G ‑ as he spoke right out
Am ‑ Em E Am ‑ He talked of life, (he) talked of life,
D ‑ G G/A G/B G He laughed and slapped his leg a step
C Em Am C/G He said his name, Bojangles, then he danced a lick
F ‑ G Run Across the cell
C Em Am C/G He grabbed his pants, a better stance, oh he jumped up high
F ‑ G ‑ And clicked his heels
Am ‑ Em E Am ‑ He let go a laugh, (yes he) let go a laugh,
D ‑ G G/A G/B Run Shook back his clothes all around
Repeat Chorus
C Em Am C/G He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs
F ‑ G Run Throughout the south
C Em Am C/G He spoke with tears of 15 years, how his dog and he
F ‑ G ‑ Traveled about
Am ‑ Em E Am ‑ His dog up and died, (yes he) up and died,
D ‑ G G/A G/B G After 20 years he still grieves
C Em Am C/G He said "I dance now at every chance in honky tonks
F ‑ G Run For drinks and tips
C Em Am C/G But most (of) the time I spend behind these county bars
F ‑ G ‑ Cuz I drinks a bit"
Am ‑ Em E Am ‑ He shook his head, and as he shook his head
D ‑ G G/A G/B Run I heard someone ask "Please, please!"
Repeat Chorus