C walk down--> C (B bass-open G string I knew a man Bojangles and he'd Am, w/A Bass, then hit G bass - dance for you - then hit G Bass in between the next lyric phrase F walk up bass F# G In worn ------out shoes Repeat Pattern
C walk down--> C (B bass-open G string With silver hair, a ragged shirt, and Am w/A Bass baggy pants F --> F# G The old soft shoe F C [B bass, D 2nd string] He jumped so high, jumped so Am G Bass D7 Dm G7 high - - - - -Then he lightly touched down 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, talked of life, he laughed clicked his heels and stepped He said his name "Bojangles" and he danced a lick across the cell He grabbed his pants and spread his stance, Oh he jumped so high and then he clicked his heels He let go a laugh, let go a laugh and shook back his clothes all around (Now, play it nice and dramatic here) Am G Am G Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles Am G (walk bass up) C Mr. Bojangles - - - - - dance C walk down to Am , G Bass F G He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs throughout the south He spoke through tears of 15 years how his dog and him traveled about The dog up and died, he up and died And after 20 years he still grieves He said I dance now at every chance in 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 him please - Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles Mr. Bojangles, dance.. You can bring some added drama by singing it using 'Please three times. Also, play around in this spot with the 1st string, 3rd fret, and 2nd string 3rd fret they'll sound good, inter playing with the G7 D7 Dm G7 G7 add D 2nd string I heard someone ask him please, Please G (build) P L E A S E .... Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles - Mr. Bojangles, dance.. [Thanks to JoeyJoel for corrections]