Mr. Bojangles
Sammy Davis Jr. Lyrics
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In worn-out shoes
Silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants
The old soft shoe
He jumped so high
He jumped so high
Then he'd 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 lightly slapped his leg instead
He said the name Bojangles and he danced a lick
Across the cell
He grabbed his pants for a better stance
He jumped so high
He clicked his heels
He let go a laugh
He let go a laugh
Shook back his clothes all around
Mr Bojangles
Mr Bojangles
Mr Bojangles
Dance
We danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs
Throughout the south
We spoke in tears of fifteen years
How his dog and him
They traveled about
His dog up and died
He up and died
After twenty years he still grieves
They said I dance now at every chance and honky-tonks
For drinks and tips
But most the time I spend behind these county bars
Cause I drinks a bit
He shook his head and as he shook his head
I heard someone ask please
Mr Bojangles
Mr Bojangles
Mr Bojangles
Dance
Mr Bojangles
Mr Bojangles
Mr Bojangles
Sammy Davis Jr.’s song, "Mr. Bojangles," tells the story of an elderly street performer named Bojangles, who despite his ragged appearance, is an amazingly talented dancer. The song speaks to the magic of dancing, the power of human connection despite difficult circumstances, and the vibrancy of life that can be found even in the unlikeliest of places. A man the singer meets in jail introduces him to Bojangles, and after hearing Bojangles share the story of his travels with a beloved dog, the singer becomes captivated by Bojangles’ dance and the storyteller behind it.
The song is a deeply emotional and moving piece that has been interpreted as a commentary on the human condition, specifically the shared experiences of loss, hardship, and the human spirit's enduring capacity for resilience. The singer is moved by Bojangles and his ability to find joy in his performances, despite the difficult circumstances that led him to perform on the street.
One interpretation of the song is that Bojangles is a symbol of hope and the power of individual expression. The chorus, “Mr. Bojangles, dance” is a call to action, urging the listener to embrace their own inner dancer and follow their dreams, regardless of their current circumstances. The song is a moving tribute to the human spirit and the transformative power of dance.
Line by Line Meaning
I knew a man Bojangles and he danced for you
I once knew a man named Bojangles, who would dance for anyone willing to watch.
In worn-out shoes
His shoes were tattered and old, having seen many years of dancing.
Silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants
His hair was silver, and he wore a raggedy shirt and baggy pants, reflecting his carefree and nonchalant attitude.
The old soft shoe
He had mastered the art of the soft shoe, a classic dance form which he would perform flawlessly.
He jumped so high
When he danced, he would leap up into the air with great height.
Then he'd lightly touched down
And when he landed, he would do so gracefully and smoothly.
Mr Bojangles
This is a nickname given to the man, and the title of the song.
Dance
A command given to Mr. Bojangles, to continue with his dancing.
I met him in a cell in New Orleans I was / Down and out
The artist met Mr. Bojangles in a prison cell in New Orleans during a time when he was feeling hopeless and defeated.
He looked to me to be the eyes of age / As he spoke right out
Despite Mr. Bojangles' older age, he spoke with wisdom and experience beyond his years.
He talked of life
Mr. Bojangles shared his insights and musings about life and the world.
He lightly slapped his leg instead
As he spoke, he would gently tap his leg, emphasizing his words and thoughts.
He said the name Bojangles and he danced a lick / Across the cell
He mentioned his own name and then proceeded to dance a sequence right there in the cell.
He grabbed his pants for a better stance / He jumped so high / He clicked his heels
During his dance, he would adjust his clothing and execute impressive leaps and heel clicks.
He let go a laugh / Shook back his clothes all around
He laughed heartily and shook his clothing energetically, showcasing his jovial and lively spirit.
We danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs / Throughout the south
Mr. Bojangles and the artist would often perform at various public events, including county fairs and minstrel shows.
We spoke in tears of fifteen years / How his dog and him / They traveled about
During their performances, Mr. Bojangles and his dog would travel together for over 15 years, creating an unbreakable bond.
His dog up and died / He up and died / After twenty years he still grieves
Unfortunately, Mr. Bojangles' dog passed away, further emphasizing the depth of their connection. Even after twenty years, he still mourned the loss of his loyal companion.
They said I dance now at every chance and honky-tonks / For drinks and tips
Mr. Bojangles was known to dance for anyone willing to pay him in drinks or tips, often performing at honky-tonk bars.
But most the time I spend behind these county bars / Cause I drinks a bit
He spent a significant amount of time behind the bars of the county jail, due to his tendency to drink alcohol.
He shook his head and as he shook his head / I heard someone ask please
As he shook his head, someone asked him to dance once more.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jerry Jeff Walker
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheVoyeur121
He's not singing a song, he's telling a story. A priceless performance.
@RonSiwicki
Bingo 😁
@troydorsett8548
@@RonSiwicki huuekkky
@christophepery2237
@Judy Gaines ķlsmkm
@katslat8410
Exactly
@StevenC32
The story is about Bill Robinson who is known as Mr. Bojangles.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Robinson
@asacarrick1385
I worked in the Grosvenor House Hotel in London in 1970's In one week he did eight concerts, midnight matinees on the Friday and Saturday. Lionel Blair was the support act. I have never witnessed more powerful performances nor such colossal crowd reaction. Some of the biggest names in showbusiness, Mama Cass, Cat Stevens, Roger Moore Joan Collins ...he brought tears to their eyes through his singing dancing and stories of life...his own. I was a wine butler in the Great Room. None of us who worked that week would ever forget what we'd witnessed
@davidmennie4933
Wow what memories
@talljib
you're one blessed mfer
@cmw332
Thanks for Sharing