Bojangles of Harlem
Fred Astaire / Ginger Rogers Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ask anyone up Harlem way
Who that guy Bojangles is.
They may not know who's president,
But ask 'em who Bojangles is.

He's in the most entrancin' business,
It's what they call the "dancin' business",
When there's a beat
Up on the street,
Brother, you go and bet all your dough!
Sister, you know!
That ain't no one but Bo!

Oh! Bojangles of Harlem,
You dance such hot stuff!
Young folks love you in Harlem,
They say you've got stuff!
Tough guys rumba out of poolrooms
And kids start "truckin'" out of schoolrooms!

Oh! Bojangles of Harlem!
The whole town's at your heels!
Leaving their flats,
Missing their meals!
Running like rats,




Going astray,
Throw those long legs away!

Overall Meaning

The song "Bojangles of Harlem" by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers is an ode to the legendary tap dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. The lyrics reflect the widespread adoration for Robinson in Harlem during the 1930s, where he was considered a cultural icon. Many people in Harlem knew who Bojangles was, though they may not have known who the current president was. The song highlights Robinson's impressive talent and his ability to enthrall audiences with his dancing. When there was a beat on the street, everyone knew that Bojangles was sure to be dancing to it.


The song goes on to describe the immense influence Bojangles had on the community, particularly on younger generations. Young folks loved him in Harlem and thought he had "stuff" - an elusive quality that set him apart from other performers. Even tough guys were compelled by his rhythm, and schoolkids would start "truckin'" (dancing) in the classroom when they heard his name. The chorus repeats, hammering home the idea that Bojangles had taken Harlem by storm - the whole town was at his heels, with people running like rats to get a glimpse of him.


Overall, "Bojangles of Harlem" is a celebration of Bill Robinson, an artist who rose to prominence in a time when Black performers were still fighting for recognition and respect. The song attests to Robinson's significant impact on Harlem's culture and to the fact that his influence stretched far beyond just the entertainment industry.


Line by Line Meaning

Ask anyone up Harlem way
Inquire from anyone in Harlem


Who that guy Bojangles is.
Who is the gentleman called Bojangles?


They may not know who's president,
Many Harlem residents might not have knowledge of the current president


But ask 'em who Bojangles is.
But they will surely know who Bojangles is.


He's in the most entrancin' business,
He is in the most captivating profession.


It's what they call the "dancin' business",
It's what is commonly known as the dancing business.


When there's a beat
When music is playing and people are dancing


Up on the street,
On the streets of Harlem


Brother, you go and bet all your dough!
You should bet all your money, brother!


Sister, you know!
Sister, you are well aware!


That ain't no one but Bo!
That is clearly none other than Bojangles.


Oh! Bojangles of Harlem,
Oh! The famous Bojangles of Harlem!


You dance such hot stuff!
You are an excellent dancer, Bojangles!


Young folks love you in Harlem,
The young people of Harlem are very fond of you.


They say you've got stuff!
They say that you are very talented!


Tough guys rumba out of poolrooms
Even the tough guys come out of the poolrooms to see you dance the rumba.


And kids start "truckin'" out of schoolrooms!
And school children start doing the truckin' dance out of their classrooms!


Oh! Bojangles of Harlem!
Oh! Bojangles, the popular figure of Harlem!


The whole town's at your heels!
The entire town is following in your footsteps!


Leaving their flats,
Leaving their apartments behind,


Missing their meals!
Skipping their meals!


Running like rats,
Running like rats out of their holes,


Going astray,
Going astray from their usual routines


Throw those long legs away!
Dancing so energetically that it appears as if they are throwing their long legs away!




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: JEROME KERN, DOROTHY FIELDS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

bionicrat

I'm black and I think it is the most fabulous homage to someone. The way he is dancing with such rhythm and perfection. Why would anybody go through such a wonderful performance such a creative performance if they were racist?

Gregory May

The whole dance routine is awesome!

NuNu Cars

This to me is the greatest solo I've ever seen.I am a black man from the bronx and I'm saying fred was the best and he was no Racist.Back in 1936 they didn't have to make pay tribute to Bojangles but felt that they wanted to out of respect for him and his craft.this I believe is also fred's tribute to John Bubbles Of Buck and bubbles who was with fred when he was filming this

Molly

Fred is an amazing dancer, singer, and actor. I just watched a movie a few days ago and he was in it! He was great, but its so sad that such a talented man had to leave us. This is a tribute to both Bojangles and Astaire! Probably the two best best dancers the world will ever know

Nobody's Home

It is sickening that people say this great performer is being racist. He is not. This is a true and brilliant tribute to a great man.

steven pollock

It doesn't matter if you were Black, Green, Yellow, Brown or White then or now. There never has been nor will there ever be anyone who will even come close to being as talented, gifted, brilliant and divine as Fred AStaire!

jkoff76

It's amazing how close this is to Bojangles real steps. It's like he becomes the famous Harlem Dancer. Incredible!!

James scanlan

It was a tribute to someone he admired, not racism. And, by the way, it was an astonishing display of coordination and choreography. Brilliant stuff.

fbflys

If anybody thinks this video is by any means racist, it's because they have issues! This is one of the best dance numbers I have ever seen! No CG effects or computer animation; nothing but top notch dancing!

steven pollock

Please, just recognize the man for what he is. Simply, the greatest dancer there ever was and ever will be. In addition, he created magic, dreams and everlasting beauty with Ginger Rogers in an era where simple joy, artistry and talent captured a Nation!

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