David Bromberg — Mr. Bojangles
Album: Demon In DisguiseAvg rating:
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Length: 7:22
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I knew a man Bojangles an' he'd dance for you in worn out shoes
Silver hair, ragged shirt an' boggy pants, that old soft shoes
He'd jump so high, he'd jump so high, then he lightly touched down
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, dance.
I met him in a cell in New Orleans, i was down an' out
He looked to me to be the eyes of age as he spoke right out
He talked of life, he talked of life laughin' slapped his leg stale
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, dance.
He said the name Bojangles an' he danced a lick all across the cell
He grabbed his pants for a better stance, oh he jumped so high an' he clicked up his heels
He let go laugh, he let go laugh, shook back his clothes all around
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles dance, yeah dance.
He danced for those at minstrel shows an' county fairs throughout the south
He spoke with tears of fifteen years of how his dog an' him but just travelled all about
His dog up an' died, he up an' died, an' after twenty years he still grieves
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, dance.
He said: "I dance now at every chance at honkytonks for drinks an' tips
But most of the time i spend behind those county bars cause i drinks a bit"
He shook his head an' he shook his head, i heard somemone ask him "Please
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, dance, dance, Mr. Bojangles dance"
Silver hair, ragged shirt an' boggy pants, that old soft shoes
He'd jump so high, he'd jump so high, then he lightly touched down
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, dance.
I met him in a cell in New Orleans, i was down an' out
He looked to me to be the eyes of age as he spoke right out
He talked of life, he talked of life laughin' slapped his leg stale
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, dance.
He said the name Bojangles an' he danced a lick all across the cell
He grabbed his pants for a better stance, oh he jumped so high an' he clicked up his heels
He let go laugh, he let go laugh, shook back his clothes all around
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles dance, yeah dance.
He danced for those at minstrel shows an' county fairs throughout the south
He spoke with tears of fifteen years of how his dog an' him but just travelled all about
His dog up an' died, he up an' died, an' after twenty years he still grieves
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, dance.
He said: "I dance now at every chance at honkytonks for drinks an' tips
But most of the time i spend behind those county bars cause i drinks a bit"
He shook his head an' he shook his head, i heard somemone ask him "Please
Mr. Bojangles, Mr. Bojangles, dance, dance, Mr. Bojangles dance"
Comments (66)add comment
As long as I have listened to RP, this is a first. Way back in the 70s I heard this song in such venues as so-called underground radio but never since then. Very pleasing!
What a pleasant treat. Many thanks
GTT wrote:
Good luck to your pup!
William also likes to play "Sharon" from the same 1972 album and it's a real hoot. I've gotta check out more David to expand my horizons...
I have a soft spot in my hear for David Bromberg -- saw him once or more in NYC in the 70s and heard his music often on WNEW. Hearing this is like getting back in touch with an old friend. And my old rescue dog is in surgery right now -- so I'm relating to Mr. Bojangles, too.
Good luck to your pup!
William also likes to play "Sharon" from the same 1972 album and it's a real hoot. I've gotta check out more David to expand my horizons...
Shivers up the spine. Like wish you were here. You know it’s a 9-10 when you just have to stop and listen.
I have a soft spot in my hear for David Bromberg -- saw him once or more in NYC in the 70s and heard his music often on WNEW. Hearing this is like getting back in touch with an old friend. And my old rescue dog is in surgery right now -- so I'm relating to Mr. Bojangles, too.
Fortunate to have seen both Bromberg and Walker perform Mr. Bojangles. Jerry Jeff is long gone and David faded from prominence although he resumed playing after a hiatus. I sorely miss all the life music from the 70's. When people talk about the 60's, it is more accurate to recall the 70's when all the great artists from the 60's and those who arrived and thrived in the later decade were so omnipresent. I started going to shows in 1968. It was meaningful music during a time of change. Sadly, most of my peers, as is the tendency of seniors cross-generationally, have forgotten who they were and become conservative.
I've always liked this tune. Haven't you?
But while sung as I first heard it by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is good there's something about this rendition, the pathos of it, that I find more appealing.
Nothing like it being sung by a person who's probably lived a bit more of what it represents than the Nitty Gritty had done at their time to make you reflect on the merits of your own life, don't it? Or maybe it's just me. Yeah, it probably is. See me as I click my own heels.
Highlow
But while sung as I first heard it by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is good there's something about this rendition, the pathos of it, that I find more appealing.
Nothing like it being sung by a person who's probably lived a bit more of what it represents than the Nitty Gritty had done at their time to make you reflect on the merits of your own life, don't it? Or maybe it's just me. Yeah, it probably is. See me as I click my own heels.
Highlow
I'm so glad I got to see Bromberg a couple years ago. He's awesome.
Saw him at a bluegrass show once, back in the 1980s.
He fit in quite well.
Bluegrass audiences are like that. Unless you put down Bill Monroe. Then there's trouble.
He fit in quite well.
Bluegrass audiences are like that. Unless you put down Bill Monroe. Then there's trouble.
like this more each time I hear it
I must be getting sentimental. This is so fine.
marz_cat wrote:
Bromberg is ESSENTIAL (in my warped world view : )
I agree. David Bromberg, simply amazing. Saw him at RU small venue, before he went off to fidding school. Send me to the 'lectric chair, I like to sleep late in the morning...I think he's somewhat regional. Cheers, from former exit 7A
Bromberg is ESSENTIAL (in my warped world view : )
True to the JJW version, I am told by someone who actually heard Jerry Jeff Walker sing it. (sans vocalising, it must be said).
Can't we have Jerry Jeff do it?
Best version of Mr Bojangles ever!
Kinda makes me think of America (S&G) ...
How beautiful is this? 10 straight out of the box.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAW3y5l6Dm4
If you enjoy Mr. Bojangles you might also like David Bromberg's version of Statesboro Blues.
Cut the B.S. there never was a Mr. Bojangles.
genius of the sort that conveys the complexity of human emotion in a simple sweet cake...
BillG wrote:
Dylan? Really? He certainly didn't write it...
On_The_Beach wrote:
Maybe he meant Sammy Davis Jr.
Those two are always getting mistaken for each other.
Yeah, I think they even wore the same cologne.
Dylan? Really? He certainly didn't write it...
On_The_Beach wrote:
Maybe he meant Sammy Davis Jr.
Those two are always getting mistaken for each other.
Yeah, I think they even wore the same cologne. BillG wrote:
Dylan? Really? He certainly didn't write it...
sometimes people seem confused...
Dylan? Really? He certainly didn't write it...
sometimes people seem confused...
Great! Instant 9
A favorite (Mr. Bojangles) Robinson's anecdote is that he seated himself in a restaurant and a customer objected to his presence. When the manager suggested that it might be better if Robinson leave, he smiled and asked, "Have you got a ten dollar bill?" Politely asking to borrow the manager's note for a moment, Robinson added six $10 bills from his own wallet and mixed them up, then extended the seven bills together, adding, "Here, let's see you pick out the colored one". The restaurant manager served Robinson without further delay.
Mr Bojangles is also claimed by the city of Richmond, Virginia where they erected a statue of Mr. Bojangles.
Awesome! This album just got added to my list of things to buy when I get back to civilization.
One of the best renditions of Mr. Bojangles I've ever heard. Love the history Bromberg conveys.
Don't know about the rest of you but I'm enjoying this. 
Not really into singers who talk during a song. It's why Arlo Guthrie and Johnny Cash always annoy me.
Oh yeah! Nicely done.
BillG wrote:
Maybe he meant Sammy Davis Jr.
Those two are always getting mistaken for each other.
Dylan? Really? He certainly didn't write it...
Maybe he meant Sammy Davis Jr.
Those two are always getting mistaken for each other.
Antigone wrote:
Yes, agree completely!
I love the story section of this song, and how it seamlessly segues back into the song. Oh, and the finger picking. Masterful.
Yes, agree completely!
mdfergy wrote:
Dylan? Really? He certainly didn't write it...
I liked the story-telling, but I don't care for the song at all.. I doubt if anyone could come close to Dylan's version...
Dylan? Really? He certainly didn't write it...
jmsmy wrote:
One of the Greatest Songs of All-Time
A Animals Lovers Favorite.
David B. adds a great story of how Jerry Jeff Walker wrote the song.
Here's more from Wiki
Walker has said he was inspired to write the song after an encounter with a street performer in a New Orleans jail. While in jail for public intoxication in 1965, he met a homeless white man who called himself "Mr. Bojangles" (who, in turn, presumably took his pseudonym from performer Bill Robinson, who was likewise nicknamed "Bojangles") to conceal his true identity from the police. He had been arrested as part of a police sweep of indigent people that was carried out following a high-profile murder. The two men and others in the cell chatted about all manner of things, but when Mr. Bojangles told a story about his dog, the mood in the room turned heavy. Someone else in the cell asked for something to lighten the mood, and Mr. Bojangles obliged with a tap dance.
David does a great job telling this story. He is not only a top notch muscian but a great entertainer as well. Hech, with that great guitar finish I m going for 7.81 on this one.A Animals Lovers Favorite.
David B. adds a great story of how Jerry Jeff Walker wrote the song.
Here's more from Wiki
Walker has said he was inspired to write the song after an encounter with a street performer in a New Orleans jail. While in jail for public intoxication in 1965, he met a homeless white man who called himself "Mr. Bojangles" (who, in turn, presumably took his pseudonym from performer Bill Robinson, who was likewise nicknamed "Bojangles") to conceal his true identity from the police. He had been arrested as part of a police sweep of indigent people that was carried out following a high-profile murder. The two men and others in the cell chatted about all manner of things, but when Mr. Bojangles told a story about his dog, the mood in the room turned heavy. Someone else in the cell asked for something to lighten the mood, and Mr. Bojangles obliged with a tap dance.
One of the Greatest Songs of All-Time
A Animals Lovers Favorite.
David B. adds a great story of how Jerry Jeff Walker wrote the song.
Here's more from Wiki
Walker has said he was inspired to write the song after an encounter with a street performer in a New Orleans jail. While in jail for public intoxication in 1965, he met a homeless white man who called himself "Mr. Bojangles" (who, in turn, presumably took his pseudonym from performer Bill Robinson, who was likewise nicknamed "Bojangles") to conceal his true identity from the police. He had been arrested as part of a police sweep of indigent people that was carried out following a high-profile murder. The two men and others in the cell chatted about all manner of things, but when Mr. Bojangles told a story about his dog, the mood in the room turned heavy. Someone else in the cell asked for something to lighten the mood, and Mr. Bojangles obliged with a tap dance.
A Animals Lovers Favorite.
David B. adds a great story of how Jerry Jeff Walker wrote the song.
Here's more from Wiki
Walker has said he was inspired to write the song after an encounter with a street performer in a New Orleans jail. While in jail for public intoxication in 1965, he met a homeless white man who called himself "Mr. Bojangles" (who, in turn, presumably took his pseudonym from performer Bill Robinson, who was likewise nicknamed "Bojangles") to conceal his true identity from the police. He had been arrested as part of a police sweep of indigent people that was carried out following a high-profile murder. The two men and others in the cell chatted about all manner of things, but when Mr. Bojangles told a story about his dog, the mood in the room turned heavy. Someone else in the cell asked for something to lighten the mood, and Mr. Bojangles obliged with a tap dance.
I grew up on this, had forgotten it. Even saw it live, met the man at a gig. He never got recognition his place in music deserves. Have it on vinyl, I'm buying the digital album right away.
Indeed the best version
I liked the story-telling, but I don't care for the song at all.. I doubt if anyone could come close to Dylan's version...
I love the story section of this song, and how it seamlessly segues back into the song. Oh, and the finger picking. Masterful.
Saw Bromberg perform live a few times in the 70s-80s. Love his version of Bojangles, and Will Not Be Your Fool was killer live!
This is/was a great album. And this is a great version of this song!
I'd like to hear "Will not be your fool"...
One of the Greatest Songs of ALL-Time
Walker has said he was inspired to write the song after an encounter with a street performer in a New Orleans jail. While in jail for public intoxication in 1965, he met a homeless white man who called himself "Mr. Bojangles" (who, in turn, presumably took his pseudonym from performer Bill Robinson, who was likewise nicknamed "Bojangles") to conceal his true identity from the police. He had been arrested as part of a police sweep of indigent people that was carried out following a high-profile murder. The two men and others in the cell chatted about all manner of things, but when Mr. Bojangles told a story about his dog, the mood in the room turned heavy. Someone else in the cell asked for something to lighten the mood, and Mr. Bojangles obliged with a tap dance.
Walker has said he was inspired to write the song after an encounter with a street performer in a New Orleans jail. While in jail for public intoxication in 1965, he met a homeless white man who called himself "Mr. Bojangles" (who, in turn, presumably took his pseudonym from performer Bill Robinson, who was likewise nicknamed "Bojangles") to conceal his true identity from the police. He had been arrested as part of a police sweep of indigent people that was carried out following a high-profile murder. The two men and others in the cell chatted about all manner of things, but when Mr. Bojangles told a story about his dog, the mood in the room turned heavy. Someone else in the cell asked for something to lighten the mood, and Mr. Bojangles obliged with a tap dance.
This is really a great version...never heard it untill now.
thanks RP!
thanks RP!
Really an underrated finger picker.
This song always makes me tear up. Love the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band version best, but any version is wonderful.
This song made me stop whatever I was doing last Sunday while I listened to the song. It had been a while since I had heard it and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing it on Radio Paradise.
alaskan_listener wrote:
true that (excellent rendition with sweet story : )
Bromberg is a treasure
true that (excellent rendition with sweet story : )
hanssachs wrote:
No indeed!
Don't let the glasses fool you ...
No indeed!
Darned nice version. Dig that old-time Austin country sound.
brombad
Everything Bromberg plays improves with age. Saw him 2 years ago in NYC at the Beacon and his voice is still as good. Great band and great stage presence.
Correct.
SoundThinker wrote:
SoundThinker wrote:
No question about it, this is the very best version of this song EVER!
Ive owned this lp for years and enjoy everytime " oh Sharon "
No question about it, this is the very best version of this song EVER!
Don't let the glasses fool you ...
Bromberg is a treasure
Yes. 
Geeze, this is horrid.
He may as well be reading a telephone book.
He may as well be reading a telephone book.
"Oh-woah-woah Sharon! What do you do to these men?"...
I agree. David Bromberg, simply amazing. Saw him at RU small venue, before he went off to fidding school. Send me to the 'lectric chair, I like to sleep late in the morning...I think he's somewhat regional.
Cheers, from former exit 7A
Why has it been so long since this song played? And this is the only Bromberg song in the playlist? Go Figure. :-k