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Version 1 Version 2 Version 3
[Intro]
D C#m Bm A
[Verse 1]
D C#m Bm A
I knew a man Bojangles and he danced for you
G G A A
In worn out shoes
D C#m Bm A
With silver hair a ragged shirt and baggy pants
G G A A
The old soft shoe
G F#m F#m7 Bm
He jumped so high, jumped so high
E7 A7
Then he'd lightly touch down.
[Verse 2]
D C#m Bm A
I met him in a cell in New Orleans I was
G G A A
down and out
D C#m Bm A
He looked to me to be the eyes of age
G G A A
as the smoke ran out
G F#m F#m7 Bm
He talked of life, talked of life,
E7 E7 A7 A7
laughed, clicked his heels and stepped
[Verse 3]
D C#m Bm A
He said his name Bojangles then he danced a lick
G G A A
across the cell
D C#m Bm A
He grabbed his pants, a better stance, oh he jumped so high,
G G A A
and he clicked his heels
G F#m F#m7 Bm
He let go a laugh, he let go a laugh,
E7 E7 A7 A7
shook back his clothes all around
[Chorus]
Bm A Bm A Bm A
Mr. Bojangles Mr. Bojangles Mr. Bojangles
D C#m Bm A
dance
[Verse 4]
D C#m Bm A
He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs,
G G A A
throughout the south
D C#m Bm A
He spoke with tears of 15 years how his dog and him
G G A A
traveled about
G F#m F#m7 Bm
The dog up and died, he up and died,
E7 E7 A7 A7
after 20 years he still grieves
[Verse 5]
D C#m Bm A
He said I dance now at every chance in honky tonks
G G A A
for drinks and tips
D C#m Bm A
But most the time I spend behind these county bars
G G A A
'cause I drinks a bit
G F#m F#m7 Bm
He shook his head, and as he shook his head
E7 E7 A7 A7
I heard someone ask him please, please
[Chorus]
Bm A Bm A Bm A
Mr. Bojangles Mr. Bojangles Mr. Bojangles
D C#m Bm A
dance