About The Song

Jerry Jeff Walker and His Enduring Classic, “Mr. Bojangles”

“Mr. Bojangles” is a song written and first recorded by American country music singer-songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker. It was released in 1968 on his album of the same name. The song has since been covered by many artists, including the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, who had a Top 10 hit with it in 1970.

The song tells the story of a man named Mr. Bojangles, who is down on his luck but still maintains his dignity and sense of humor. The song is full of vivid imagery and memorable characters, and it has become a classic of American country music.

Jerry Jeff Walker was born in Oneonta, New York, in 1942. He began his music career in the early 1960s, and he quickly became a popular figure in the Greenwich Village folk scene. In 1967, he moved to Austin, Texas, where he became one of the leading figures in the outlaw country movement.

Walker was a prolific songwriter, and he recorded over 20 albums during his career. He was also a gifted live performer, and he was known for his energetic and charismatic shows.

Walker died in 2020 at the age of 78. He was a major figure in American country music, and his songs will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.

“Mr. Bojangles” is one of Jerry Jeff Walker’s most popular and enduring songs. It is a moving and memorable story about a man who is down on his luck but still maintains his dignity and sense of humor. The song has been covered by many artists, and it has become a classic of American country music.

If you are a fan of country music, or if you are simply looking for a good song to listen to, I highly recommend “Mr. Bojangles.” It is a beautiful and moving song that will stay with you long after you have heard it.

Video

Lyric

 🎶Let’s sing along with the lyrics!🎤

I knew a man Bojangles and he danced for youIn worn out shoesWith silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pantsThe old soft shoe
He jumped so highJumped so highThen he’d lightly touch down
Mr. BojanglesMr. BojanglesMr. BojanglesDance
I met him in a cell in New Orleans, I wasDown and outHe looked to me to be the eyes of ageAs he spoke right out
He talked of lifeTalked of lifeHe laughed, slapped his leg instead
He said the name Bojangles and he danced a lickAcross the cellHe grabbed his pants for a better stanceOoh, he jumped so highHe clicked his heels
He let go a laughHe let go a laughShook back his clothes all around
Mr. BojanglesMr. BojanglesMr. BojanglesDance
We danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairsThroughout the southWe spoke in tears of fifteen yearsHow his dog and himThey travelled about
His dog up and diedHe up and diedAfter twenty years he still grieves
They said I dance now at every chance and honky tonksFor drinks and tipsBut most the time I spend behind these county bars‘Cause I drinks a bit
He shook his head and as he shook his headI heard someone ask please
Mr. BojanglesMr. BojanglesMr. BojanglesDance