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Mr Bojangles

Jerry Jeff Walker

Text File

***I've played this song around the campfire as a counselor, and have
 broken it down into a very simple structure so I can teach those around me
 that are just beginning, as well as making it easy on me by the end of the
 week! haha. 

I've picked it up in 3/4 time with a down-up-up pattern. My mom (a former
guitar teacher) plays it as down-down-up-down-up, which sounds a little 
fuller and is a little bit faster. 

Any suggestions or comments, feel free to leave a note!***




Optional Intro: C Em Am F G C

 C           Em               Am
I knew a man Bojangles and he danced for you
F           G
In worn out shoes
      C             Em              Am
With silver hair a ragged shirt and baggy pants
F            G
The old soft shoe
F             Em             Am
He jumped so high, jumped so high
 Dm                      G
Then he'd lightly touch down.

(CHORUS)
Am     G       Am    G        Am     G       C    F C 
Mr. Bojangles  Mr. Bojangles  Mr. Bojangles  dance
(repeat pattern for rest of song)


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, slapped his leg a step


He said his name Bojangles then he danced a licked
across the cell
He grabbed his pants, a better stance, oh he jumped so high, 
and he clicked his heels
He let go a laugh, let go a laugh, 
shook back his clothes all around
(CHORUS)

He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs, 
throughout the south.
He spoke with tears of 15 years how his dog and him 
traveled about
His dog up and died, up and died, 
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
(CHORUS)



Written by Jessica D.        whimsical.photographer@gmail.com

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Mr Bojangles

Jerry Jeff Walker