Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E) Verse 1: C C/B Am Am/G I knew a man Bojangles and he'd dance for you F G In worn out shoes C C/B Am Am/G Silver hair and ragged shirt and baggy pants F G He did the old soft shoe F C He jumped so high C/B Am Am/G jumped so high D9/F# G Then he'd lightly touch down
Refrain: Am G Mister Bo Jangles Am G Mister Bo Jangels Am G C C/B Am Am/G Mister Bo Jangels danced Verse 2: C C/B Am Am/G I met him in a cell in New Orleans F G I was down and out C C/B Am Am/G He looked to me to be the eyes of age F G As he spoke right out F C He talked of life C/B Am Am/G talked of life D9/F# G He laughed slapped his leg a step Refrain: Am G Mister Bo Jangles Am G Mister Bo Jangels Am G C C/B Am Am/G Mister Bo Jangels danced Verse 3: C C/B Am Am/G He said his name Bojangles and he danced F G a lick across the cell C C/B Am Am/G He grabbed his pants for a better stance F G then he jumped so high F C clicked he heels C/B Am Am/G He let go a laugh oh he let go a laugh D9/F# G Shook back his clothes all around Refrain: Am G Mister Bo Jangles Am G Mister Bo Jangels Am G C C/B Am Am/G Mister Bo Jangels danced C C/B Am Am/G Said He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs throughout the South F G He spoke with tears of fifteen years C C/B Am Am/G how his dog and him traveled about F C C/H Am Am/G His dog up and died He up and died D9/F# G After twenty years he still grieves Refrain: Am G Mister Bo Jangles Am G Mister Bo Jangels Am G C C/B Am Am/G Mister Bo Jangels danced C C/B Am Am/G Said he danced now at every chance F G in honky-tonks for drinks and tips C C/B Am Am/G But most o' the time I spend behind these county bars F G Hell I drinks a bit F C C/H Am Am/G He shook his head and as he shook his head F G I heard someone ask him please Refrain: Am G Mister Bo Jangles Am G Mister Bo Jangels Am G C C/B Am Am/G Mister Bo Jangels danced