Looking through the comments I see numerous people post on how the part about Bojangle's dog brings tears to their eyes. It does the same for me as it brings images of my Dodger to my mind. SHe died in January of 2020 at age 13. Even if I make to 20 years after her passing I will still shed a tear when I think of her. Best dog I ever knew and I have known some damned fine dogs through the years.
Every time it gets to the phrase about his dog, I get a lump in my throat the size of Arkansas. Reminds me of my beloved old girl Kizzy. For 16 years that sweet old girl gave me more unconditional love & companionship than a human deserves. I'll grieve for my old girl til the final breath. Best damn dog that ever owned me.
The lyrics are truly legendary and memorable. But my! how society's thinking has changed! I was at a family reunion and my 8 year old nephew who loves to dance showed a new step he made up. Actually it was quite good and I told him so and said, "You're just another Mr. Bojangles!" Suddenly everything went quiet and my nephew's parents (my sister and bother-in-law) started to verbally tear into me like a chainsaw. They obviously were very unhappy with what I said saying I was "profiling" my nephew and that would pre-destine my nephew's future. I think because the "original" Mr Bojangels was a down-and-outer. I swear every time I return to California to visit family I notice the Californians create some new wierd way of thinking that is NOT normal. They let the media absolutely form their minds on what's the new kind of "right-think" and the old think is now bad and should be canceled without mercy. As much as I love my family it's like they belong to some kind of cult there.
I love how during the "danced at minstrel shows and county fairs" verse, you hear a calliope/circus organ in the background, you know like what an organ grinder plays. :) Real classic country! I love the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band!
there was a Bill "Bojangles" Robinson,the Black servant that danced down the staircase with a young Shirley Temple and yes,it was nec4essary I said black perspective
My son Ricky David Williams gave his food away to call his mother ❤️ LoL, now that was love ❤️ from my heart ❤️ it's 💔 Ricky David Williams preacher man l tried so hard rest in peace 🕊️ Ricky David Williams LoL you're Mom love you 😘❤️.
I keep hearing people think it's about the famous Bojangles when this song was out around 1980 Bill Cosby said it was an insult to the memory of Bojangles but if you listen to the lyrics it was not anything to do with the real man people are given nicknames according to what they do who you think you are Reggie Jackson who do you think you are Frank Sinatra it's just a song with made up lyrics don't get crazy Bojangles was a great dancer but this song has nothing to do with him in fact Sammy Davis Jr did a cover I love this song he knew it was just a song
From Wikipedia Referring to Jerry Jeff Walker. The man who wrote the song. Walker has said he was inspired to write the song after an encounter with a street performer in a New Orleans jail and that the song does not refer to the famous stage and movie personality Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. Walker said while in jail for public intoxication in 1965, he met a homeless white man who called himself "Mr. 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.
@@meloyellowduck 23 years ago, My Dutchess was taken from me. the pain only subsides so much, never really leaves, still kicks me in the stomach as a man in his 30's
I'm 88 and often wake up with a song going on in my head - this morning it was Mr. Bojangles and I needed to hear it by the best singers - so here I am -- THANK YOU!
My dad passed away 4 years ago at 76, I remember hearing this song in the background of my life ages 7-11. Such a beautiful time! I start to tear up a little whenever I hear this. :)
I thought I was the only one who woke up with tunes in their head LOL - this morning "Denise" Randy & The Rainbows ua-cam.com/video/xgqMW4CHClk/v-deo.html
@@DanielLeoSimpson NEAT! I hadn't heard this one before, but while listening - the CREW CUTS and their rendition of EARTH ANGEL emerged from the grey matter, so you know know what I'm going to search for next....
I lost my dog yesterday, so most of you know why I'm here. 17 wonderful years with him. He traveled all over the USA with me on road trips, visiting National Parks and such. Almost always by my side. "He spoke with tears of fifteen years how his dog and him Traveled about The dog up and died He up and died After twenty years he still grieves" Yes. I can understand that. Just brilliant lyrics. There is a special love between dogs and humans, like no other. RIP my best buddy. RIP. You will always be loved and will be missed everyday.
As an alcoholic and a washed up professional singer. I’ve always empathized with this song. Keeps me going when times get hard. How he finds the joy in performing in the darkest of times is both beautiful and heartbreaking. A skill I’m still trying to learn.
We ain't judged till the end...Till then; you have PLENTY of minutes left to give the world of yourself...:)...Cat Stevens helps with the hard times too...:)
Judged in the end for what? Over some woman (who I have never met or known in person) over taking a bite out of a piece of fruit in the garden of Eden? I don't think so. I am not taking the blame for that. Not guilty!
@@GeorgeCarlinWasAGod :)...Sorry, I should have been more succinct...I'm not suggesting some sort of "heaven" like thing; As a philly native for more than half a century, I've lost more people I've loved, than I can count...My point was more related to; how people respond to your death... Simultaneously, I'm not disregarding some sort of a judgement thing...I just don't know, nor do you...
I've been taking care of my mother for decades until I lost her last Christmas to Alzheimer's. I lost my dad 26 years ago. The grieving never ends. The sense of emptiness, the loss, the longing for your loved ones' return never ends...
Lost my spouse back on January 25th (exactly one month after Christmas) of this year (2022.) You are correct. The grieving never ends. At least not for some of us it does not. It has actually completely destroyed my health and made me terminally ill myself. I will probably be gone by sometime next year (2023.) It is called, "Dying from a broken heart."
I am almost 70 and I am ashamed to say I took this song for granted when I was young, and never really paid attention to it. The lyrics are wonderful. Just imagine, in a 3.24-minute song it tells the story of a guy who is down and out in prison in New Orleans and meets a broken down old alcoholic who used to be a soft shoe dancer. He learns of his love for his dog and of his life. But in that horrible old jail cell, the singer learns Mr. Bojangles' philosophy. He can laugh and dance in the face of all the sorrow and troubles in life. Right there in that old cell he jumps up and lands lightly on this feet, and that right there explains everything. Pardon me while I have a good cry for his life, for mine which is in its end phase, and for the amazing spirit of human beings who can look life and death in the face and still dance. What a fantastic song!
+Valteron8 That my brother is called wisdom ... from the time we were born to the time we die its seperated by a dash. thats how short life is ! im just a few laps behind you ... so lets smile and dance !!! Peace !!!
My sir I am only 31 and life has brought great pain and joy. Thank you for your wisdom as my sister, a friend and I set off as the new owners of the business after the death of the boss we loved so dear.
+Valteron8 Wow , how did we get here so quickly Ha Ha , 65 and counting , Blessed beyond belief,and not financially , songs like this can elevate a person "if"they are receptive .
Amazing Song! My husband plays acoustic guitar and he played this for a dear neighbour friend just hours before she passed Oct 25, 2021 at age 83. To our surprise at the end she woke up clapped her hands and said again please. Beautiful moment...Her 8 yr old pup now lives with us. RIP Marjory and may we give many thanks for this wonderful song ❤
Stephanie plz tell ur husband he is a awesome guy for playing that for her before she passed away and can you plz tell her family that they don’t half to worry and that she is now with her mom and dad and her grandparents and tell them that its going to be ok i now this because I lost my grandma in feb of 2021 so plz leg them now that there not alone and you and ur husband are awesome for taking in her puppy after her passing and for what your husband did for her before she passed and you taking in her dog for her surely earned both you guys a place in heaven may god bless your guysis family but also her you guys are awsome.
Stephanie - what a kind & caring thing for you & your husband to do for your neighbor - y’all must be true sweethearts - and then to take her dog …. Beautiful - you know, this song in general makes me tear up & especially the part where he talks with tears about his dog dying and how he was still grieving for him after 20 years 😰 My parents lost a 16 year old cocker spaniel when they were in their mid 70’s - were afraid to get another dog that he would outlive them - I promised them that they didn’t have to worry about that - that if it happened, their dog would of course always have a home with me - well, that was exactly what happened - my stepfather died first in 2015, then my mom in 2017 - she lived with me after my stepfather died so at least her little doggy felt at home - he will be 13 in September - We love each other 🥰
Sorry for our loss, good that you got her dog and are giving her or him all the love that he needs because he's going to miss his guardian God bless you peace out. 🦮💕
My girlfriend and I saw the Dirt Band at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach, Ca. She became my wife and we loved this music until she passed, leaving me after forty seven years of marriage. I listened to this and cried my eyes out missing her and remembering the good times. Great music and a wonderful show. Thank you .
Thanks for sharing, John. My wife and I (also from So. Cal.) often talk about how lucky we are to have had a wonderful 48 years together. We know it's almost over. We try to appreciate every single hour of every day. It's a lesson, isn't it?
Its out there, you just have too look. I would imagine if you like this style, check out a band like The Black Lilies. The great thing about this digital age is that the listener is more in control now.
The problem now is that corporate America owns all the major radio stations - coast to coast. Back in the day, a record could break out from nearly anywhere because of locally owned stations. As a result bands and great records were created all over the world. Now, that's all gone because a young, talented group (and there are many out there) is facing staggering odds against them of ever making it. As long as corporations control the main access, musically were in purgatory.
My daddy taught me this song among so many other southern rock anthems. Im caring for him with Alzheimers. He doesnt remember this song tonight, but i do and im playing it for my kids. ❤
I found an abandoned kitten living under propane tanks at a convenience store about 6 years ago. It took me 3 hours to rescue him because he kept running around. I named him Mr Bojangles. The first couple years he would barely let me pet him. He finally learned to trust and is the sweetest cat ever. A true blessing. I pulled this song up today to have a listen, and it made me cry. What a song this was.
We had a kitten living under our very old log house and left fish out for her and after months she began to trust us and was a very special sweet loved and a lover cat to everyone..
Jerry Jeff Walker, known for writing 'Mr. Bojangles,' dies at 78--we lost another one. Rest in Peace ...thank you for this song--it survives still.....
He wasn't a big drinker but owned/operated bars and I was a young girl in Heaven sitting on a stool behind his bar! But maybe the thing that I have always related to him was the story being something he would have told about, part from knowing someone he could think of as Mr. Bojangles to his sad demeanor....HE was my Mr. Bojangles! That wonderful man died when I was almost 17, and now at 64, I have grieved for him and missed him for 48 years now. I will be there with him in a bit. .oh my Lord, what a happy day to be reunited with my Mr. Bojangles...love you,Poppie....
Most of the people in this comment section are reminiscing of old times, I maybe only 18 but this song means a lot to me. Used to listen to this on the radio with my dad, he passed when I was 15. Lots of these old songs take me back and I hope to share songs like these with my kids someday.
In 1975 I had a dog named "Phadra." She "up and died" that year. It's been 45 years and when I hear this song, I still shed a tear. She was the best dog ever!
Excellent portrayal of respect for our elderly whether drunk, dirty, or misunderstood. Each life holds magic. The writer was a magician & a humanitarian to tap into the hermit as he did.
Treat everyone with human decency no matter who they are everybody deserves respect and kindness and love and understanding. God bless everyone be safe show kindness love and most of all pray peace out 🦮🙂🙏👍🙏🙏🙏🦋🎶🎵❤️
@@susanleone9767 I was so lucky to have a compassionate Dad that gave me these values 62 years ago when I was so young and learning. God bless my Dad and all the people he helped over his lifetime.
bingo bud!!! well said i try to tell folks this daily. we didnt correct ppl as child and taught to never judge or correct or talk bad behind back. darw my parents hush ir scold a grown up we resoected them listened and naturally didnt mimic their ways l. thats called showing adults n ppl R espect
Few people know that there was a real Bill "Bojangles" Robinson who, despite his fame and success, died penniless. Thankfully, the TV personality Ed Sullivan paid for his funeral in New York City where over 32,000 people paid their respects.
The song is about a street clown performer who called himself “Bojangles” who was inspired by Bill Robinson. Bill never drank nor smoked and he never had a dog.
This song is a true story. The writer, Jerry Jeff Walker, was tossed into a New Orleans jail along with a group of other people that were in the vicinity of a stabbing that had occurred in 4th of July crowd. . Many of them were local drunks or homeless and had fake names that they gave to the police. The dancer that the song was about told them he was "Mr. Bo Jangles", of course having been inspired by the original.
One of the greatest songs ever written by Mr. Jerry Jeff Walker. Farewell Mr. Walker and thank you for giving us a fabulous song. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band did your song well.
Knowing that I might outlive my Charlie boy hurts me every day. Spend every day as if it's their last. Dogs don't live long. Love em while you have em.
71 now. I think I was about 20 when this song was popular. What memories it brings back, both good and bad. My brother and I camping and fishing in the Midwest....wonderful. How could 50 years have gone by so quickly? I listened to The Circle Game just before listening to this, and that brought on a tear. I’m the last one still living from my family of origin, my brother having died in February. I’m grieving his loss, the loss of my family, the loss of my health, and the loss of my youth. I know, though, that I was and still am incredibly blessed and fortunate to have lived the life I lived. I love you my brother.
the future that appeared to stretch ahead forever has passed in the blink of an eye. what used to be a gentle trickle of sand passing through the hour glass, has become as a white water rapids pushing me into next year before i've hardly started with this one.. .. i was 73 last week, and like you am the last surviving member of my family. this song has always been a favorite of mine, but its meaning changed totally as the years have passed. my dog is sleeping pressed up against me now as i type, and i think it's time for another glass of rum, and maybe a pipe. ....peace.
So very sad how bad the music is today. I'm 68, and we had the best music by far. Once "Guns & Roses" broke up after the 1993 double album, Rock was dead.
Mainly because the goal of popular music artists today don't utilize their talents into actual music production as they focus too much on their style and action to impress others.
Happy Camper • Seeing the lyrics for the first time (I'm almost 62), I'm pleased to know that his dog was not named "Yuppin." After all these years...lol!
Jerry Jeff Walker wrote one hell of a song, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band absolutely nailed it. Brought the old dancer to life in vivid imageries. You could feel the flapping of his clothes and see the joy and grief in his eyes. Master piece of story telling.
I love how a song can mean so many different things to so many different people. Life's a movie man, music is the soundtrack. Love it all while you can.
I'm 34. My buddy in grade school nicknamed me Mr. Bojangles. He passed at the age of 27. I had a pug for 13 years. He passed in 2021. This song gets me every time... Much love to you all.
I hear ya loud and clear my brother. I just got out of my own “prison cell “ mentally, physically and emotionally. Life is great when I escape to the music I grew up with ✌️
This song always touches me, but the verse about his dog dying after 15 years and after 20 years he still grieves makes me so sad I break out in tears.
It's been 10 and 6 years since my girls have passed and not a day goes by that I don't cry. I miss them so much. My heart still breaks. Especially when my last girl, Jasmine, was only 4 years old.
I was in a park in 1972, just graduated high school. Me and a buddy were celebrating and swinging on the park swings , singing Mr Bojangles, at 2am. An officer came by and looked at us , just smiled and walked away. Life was different, people were different then. This song is sad because it wont ever come back, Even Einstein said its become appallingly clear technology has surpassed our Humanity. And that is sad.,,,,,,a future of Robotic like people who don't know what is like to really live..Im Glad to have had memories and moments in life where I really lived. This song conjures up those memories. Cry? Hell yes at least you know your feelings are still intact.
I was drunk as a skunk one night when I was 17, walking (staggering!) around when a cop pulled over to check me and my friend out (he was sober.) After he checked my ID he put me in his car... I knew I was going to jail! He took me home and turned me over to my mom. Hell I wish he would've arrested me, lol. Yes it certainly was a different time.
brings a tear to my eye every time I hear this song.. the part about him and his dog...I have a story about how I thought I saw a man that could have been Mr. Bojangles with his dog or someone of his fate.... too long and too tearful for me to tell it here...thank you for posting this tune...
"He spoke with tears of fifteen years how his dog and him Traveled about The dog up and died He up and died After twenty years he still grieves" It still gets me.
Thank you Jerry Jeff Walker for an amazingly true minstrels song. The NGDB does so much justice to it that no other band will ever match. Just pure pleasure.
This song is very sad that he grieves the loss of his dog,i had 4 dogs,after my marriage failed and he left,thinking maybe the grass was more exsiting,those dogs became part of our family,and did i learn what real love 💘 was thay since have gone ,to rainbow bridge i miss them so much but i know thay watch over me .God bless,stay safe,peace out.✌👍😷🐾🐾☺😞
I'm crying now. And it's embarrassing because I'm at a bus stop. I love my dog so much. He was almost killed by a larger dog a couple years ago and still limps. Just the thought of losing him some day makes me cry. I'm 52 and remember this song well. So the nostalgia adds to my sorrow. What happened to our world? This is progress? Everything, including music was better before.
@@thememoryhole9355 I know this song is very sad I lost for my dogs over the years and I'm still grieving them they're all in Rainbow Bridge I still have days where I cry like a baby and it just goes in waves the love that you got from a dog is undescribable. In the meantime you're lucky that you still have your buddy with you as far as his leg if you're able to I would look into getting an acupuncture it does work and they do do it on dogs do your research this world has changed dramatically and it's it's very sad as you said what it's coming to try and keep safe, God bless, peace out😷🐕🐾🐾🐾❤👍✌
Thats what makes us human .amen .I'm still grieving &have all thay asses, so when it's my time we will be together sailing the see on a full moon.i miss them terribly😧God bless,stay safe,peace out.😷❤👍🐾💃❤
"Walker 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 man who called himself "Mr. Bojangles" to conceal his true identity from the police. Mr. Bojangles 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 knew the guy that is referred to as Mr. Bojangles. I met him in New Orleans. He tapped danced on the street for money. And despite all of the sad stories, he didn't die penniless.
This song is a true classic in the most pure sense of the word. It's meaning and melody will stand any test of time. It is a rare and well told story of a portion of one man's life. I love it; always have since the first time I heard it.
My dad introduced me to this song and when I heard the part about him still grieving for his dog I cried. Hit me in the feels real hard. Losing a dog is rough.
It sure does I had four of them and I had them for many years and I'm still grieving over them I rescued another one and God granted me two years with him so I had five in total and I'm still grieving all of them they teach you so many things and you teach them so many things it's wonderful the things that you learn from animals and yet people are so cruel to them I don't understand I don't understand at all I don't think I ever will we all their voice beautiful beautiful people they all slept in my bed it was almost like I lived in their house God bless everybody stay safe pray be kind and show love peace out 🎵🎶🦋👍🙏🙏🙏🙏🙂🦮
Yes, that’s the part that gets me the most - I lost my beloved chocolate Lab, Abby, 3 years ago & I will never really get over the loss - she was the dog of my heart 💔
Yeah it makes me cry too... my dog and I travelled together, too, And now he's gone, And I know, 20 years from now, I'll still be grieving him. He was my best friend.
Such a heart breaking and heart warming song, at the same time. Man, it's one which, even if I forget about it for a while, when I hear it again it's such an emotional rush. Love it.
I knew a man, Bojangles and he danced for you In worn out shoes Silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants The old soft shoe He jumped so high He jumped so high Then he'd lightly touch 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 He 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, a better stance Oh, he jumped so high Then he clicked his heels He let go a laugh He let go a laugh Pushed back his clothes all around Mr. Bojangles Mr. Bojangles Mr. Bojangles Dance He danced for those in minstrel shows and county fairs Throughout the south He spoke with tears of fifteen years how his dog and him Traveled about The dog up and died He up and died After twenty 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 He said I drinks a bit He shook his head And as he shook his head I heard someone ask him please Please Mr. Bojangles Mr. Bojangles Mr. Bojangles Dance
Me too, my dog live for 19 years 3 months and two days, I know I was blessed to have him that long but it wasn't enough, he hasn't been gone quite a year yet, I suffer everyday, I was way too attached
@@rockylombardo6978I'm sorry for your loss. I'd like to say it gets better but its been 13 years since I put my best friend down, as long as he lived and I still have times that I tear up. I've at least been able to get more dogs and not compare them to him and yes it still hurts to put them down but I treat them well and love them more than people which may be wrong but not in my eyes for the only thing pets do wrong is leave us too soon. :(
@@jp-mc2bp I’ve had or been around dogs most of my seventy years and I’ve had to put a few down and it does hurt, but I wouldn’t be without one. I’ve got two now aged 4 and 10 hopefully for quite a while yet.
They don't write story telling songs like this anymore. I was born in the 70's. I've been blessed to have the best damn playlists of the last several decades. 😍
They're still writing songs like this, but we're not listening anymore, every generation or two has their " Don't write them like they used to" songs. Late 60's thru 90's for me✌
Jerry Jeff Walker from Upstate NY wrote this song! He told some of us the story in The Clarity Bar on Bourbon St. in the French Quarter one night circa '75! Johnnie Walker was the Musician playing that night , Jerry Jeff was very impressed by Johnnie , he could play any kind of music ...he was a brilliant artist , he wound up joining a NOLA Band called Vince Vance & The Valiants with myself. I had to quit cause I couldn't sing harmony only leads.But ,Johnnie then was killed in a car accident and I lost a great new friend. So while Jerry Jeff sat in , he told how he wrote Bojangles , who was an old white guy drunk in the 1st Pct. Jail telling his story, just so happened it was where Jerry Jeff was spending the nite also for being drunk ! Right Place @ Right time for JJ , but oh so wrong place for Johnnie Walker !
What an interesting story! I had no idea Jerry Jeff wrote this song. It's really a classic, and the N.G.D.B. does it so very well. I'm sure you have many interesting stories about your experiences in the bands with whom you played, the performers you knew and the experiences you had. Maybe you should write a book!
jp3923 I get told the book is a good idea many times , actually write allot of the stories on my blog already....there are some really cool people I have partied with and just got to know briefly , but for some reason they remember meeting me , further on down the road !
The Wizard of Rock and Roll You are just too modest and working too cheap by putting all this personal knowledge on your Blog. LOL. Bet you would be surprised to learn how many books you would sell to just C & W fans if you wrote it and found a co-writer/publisher with whom to collaborate. Just sayin'. Thank you for your thoughtful reply.
upstate NY is prison heaven. each county or every other has as a state pen. each county a jail off topic but not a surprise some one was pay n a visit thanks for the story meshed well with this classic
This is a great song with so much emotion behind it. I could listen to it all day long. The line where Bojangles still grieves for his dog makes me get a little misty every time.
This song is from a time remembered or known by listening to our elders . We of this generation may be some of the last to truly understand the story being told here.. it’s not gangsta, a spectacle meant to shock so as to distinguish the singer or any other music that lacks the magic to reach far down into our hearts and remind us life isn’t always charmed, that a man such as described has dignity and a story and loved his dog. There’smore Heart and soul than any number of these new artists.
Randy B obviously you’re listening to the wrong music. How can you speak on behalf of a whole generation, and classify all of today’s music as ‘gangsta’. That’s ignorant. Listen around and maybe you’ll notice that different people in a new generation have different tastes, just like any other generation. I respect all music, even ‘gangsta’ music. Often enough, some of said artist have had a tougher go than Mr. Bojangles - just keep your ears open and don’t switch the song as soon as you hear the artist say “f**k”.
Just reading all peoples comments about their beloved dogs. I love dogs. They are so intelligent, have so much emotion and understanding of your moods. They KNOW us and they love us deeply. The more you love them the more they love back. I heard this song in the car this morning, first time in a LONG time. Brought back memories some happy some quite sad. I pray that the Good Lord lets all our dogs into heaven. Imagine the greeting we'll get.
You deserve a million likes for that comment! If we could all show a little more love and respect for each other, the world just might be a nicer place to live!! And our hearts all break over the loss of a beloved pet, be it a cat, dog, rabbit. You
It's not allowed anymore. Advertisers won't tolerate music that requires talent or thinking. If you dare play music more cerebral than ABABAB rhyming schemes or changing tempos, they'll punish you by pulling advertising dollars.
OK, i know this will sound crazy, but it is true. I was 13 and working at a small store and deli in Manassas, va around 1964. That day i was working behind the deli and another employee running the register. The railroad ran just a hundred feet in front of the store. The store was quiet because it was a Sunday. I looked over the counter and a raggedy old black man was standing there. He had 29 cents and asked me to give him 29 cents worth of cheese. As i was cutting the piece , he just started dancing all over the store. Sometimes his feet would go above his head although he looked to about seventy years old. After he was done i asked where he learned to dance like that and he said he just done it all his life. Then he said his name was Bojangles. I had never heard of that name before, and was really impressed with him. I cut him a big slice of ham and a bigger block of cheese. I weighed it and then went to the cashier and paid for it. He thanked me and walked out the door and to the railroad tracks . Last i saw him he was climbing into a box car. I have thought of him and that day a lot over my 68 years. I always wondered if i actually saw the one from this song. All i know is he could float on air. Even if he wasn't the same man, i'll always think of Bojangles.
Every time I hear this song I tear up. I just can't help it. Another great recording of it is David Bromberg's seven-minute rendition of "Mr. Bojangles" from 1972's Demon in Disguise, interspersed with tales about traveling with the song's author, Jerry Jeff Walker.
"The dog up and died. After 20 years, he still grieves".........and that's when my tears start.
Me Too
😢
Same here too 😢😢😢 just lost my two precious doggies were brothers both died a week apart 😭.🙏🙏🙏there in heaven now with Lord Jesus.
Do you have to cry
Me too, so painful to lose your best friend
Looking through the comments I see numerous people post on how the part about Bojangle's dog brings tears to their eyes. It does the same for me as it brings images of my Dodger to my mind. SHe died in January of 2020 at age 13. Even if I make to 20 years after her passing I will still shed a tear when I think of her. Best dog I ever knew and I have known some damned fine dogs through the years.
I had my last two best friends cremated so I could take them with me everywhere I go, just like we always did.
And now my boy Shakes has passed. He was a Toy Poodle with a lion's heart.
Every time it gets to the phrase about his dog, I get a lump in my throat the size of Arkansas. Reminds me of my beloved old girl Kizzy. For 16 years that sweet old girl gave me more unconditional love & companionship than a human deserves. I'll grieve for my old girl til the final breath. Best damn dog that ever owned me.
I just hope to God that our dogs are there, waiting for us.
Finn McCool
It wouldn't be much of a heaven without dogs.
I'm in arkansas
I know how you feel.
If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went. -Will Rogers
The song truly runs deep for those who can relate to it.
real deep myself, my folk and family. ppl i came across for short swaray and observation of strangers like mr b.
The nostalgia that I have for this song is immeasurable. Thanks.
Listened to nitty gritty dirt band as a kid and this was my favorite off the cut. On a tape deck.
The lyrics are truly legendary and memorable. But my! how society's thinking has changed!
I was at a family reunion and my 8 year old nephew who loves to dance showed a new step he made up. Actually it was quite good and I told him so and said, "You're just another Mr. Bojangles!"
Suddenly everything went quiet and my nephew's parents (my sister and bother-in-law) started to verbally tear into me like a chainsaw. They obviously were very unhappy with what I said saying I was "profiling" my nephew and that would pre-destine my nephew's future. I think because the "original" Mr Bojangels was a down-and-outer. I swear every time I return to California to visit family I notice the Californians create some new wierd way of thinking that is NOT normal. They let the media absolutely form their minds on what's the new kind of "right-think" and the old think is now bad and should be canceled without mercy. As much as I love my family it's like they belong to some kind of cult there.
I love how during the "danced at minstrel shows and county fairs" verse, you hear a calliope/circus organ in the background, you know like what an organ grinder plays. :) Real classic country! I love the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band!
+Stephen R That is a great observation, I never noticed before...thanks!
I knew a man just like that. I see them all over. Love this song its so heart felt.
After so many years still love this song
there was a Bill "Bojangles" Robinson,the Black servant that danced down the staircase with a young Shirley Temple and yes,it was nec4essary I said black
perspective
A Yruer Saint then I GOD Bless Keep You Yours Amen 🙏.
Much love to Jerry Jeff Walker.. RIP. Also love to Todd Snider who has many stories of Jerry Jeff and does an amazing version of this song
I can never get enough of this song
Iove this this song!
Great song. Great everything .
My son Ricky David Williams gave his food away to call his mother ❤️ LoL, now that was love ❤️ from my heart ❤️ it's 💔 Ricky David Williams preacher man l tried so hard rest in peace 🕊️ Ricky David Williams LoL you're Mom love you 😘❤️.
I keep hearing people think it's about the famous Bojangles when this song was out around 1980 Bill Cosby said it was an insult to the memory of Bojangles but if you listen to the lyrics it was not anything to do with the real man people are given nicknames according to what they do who you think you are Reggie Jackson who do you think you are Frank Sinatra it's just a song with made up lyrics don't get crazy Bojangles was a great dancer but this song has nothing to do with him in fact Sammy Davis Jr did a cover I love this song he knew it was just a song
From Wikipedia Referring to Jerry Jeff Walker. The man who wrote the song.
Walker has said he was inspired to write the song after an encounter with a street performer in a New Orleans jail and that the song does not refer to the famous stage and movie personality Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. Walker said while in jail for public intoxication in 1965, he met a homeless white man who called himself "Mr. 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.
thomas Rose Listen to Dave Bromberg's version, he tells the story of how Jerry Jeff Walker came to write the song.
thomas Rose Anything Bill Cosby has to say about anything anymore should be discounted immediately anyway and stricken from the record... Trust me...
I wonder if this song was about JESUS! Wld we all get choked up?
Victoria Valentino yep ... Cosby has no say in much of anything now .. he chose to cave to his sinful lustful desires.
Great memories 🎵
For ever
great song
The line about him grieve over his dog kills me every time. Great song
The song just ended. That was the first thing I thought of…. Great song. Take care brother
@@Lpm920 you too brother
Me too and it has a special meaning to me, as I still grieve after 12 years over mine.
well a dog loves you unconditionally. how many people will do that in your life?
@@meloyellowduck 23 years ago, My Dutchess was taken from me. the pain only subsides so much, never really leaves, still kicks me in the stomach as a man in his 30's
I'm 88 and often wake up with a song going on in my head - this morning it was Mr. Bojangles and I needed to hear it by the best singers - so here I am -- THANK YOU!
My dad passed away 4 years ago at 76, I remember hearing this song in the background of my life ages 7-11. Such a beautiful time! I start to tear up a little whenever I hear this. :)
@@soultender93 Beautiful memory - thank you for bringing me back to listen to it again...
I thought I was the only one who woke up with tunes in their head LOL - this morning "Denise" Randy & The Rainbows ua-cam.com/video/xgqMW4CHClk/v-deo.html
@@DanielLeoSimpson NEAT! I hadn't heard this one before, but while listening - the CREW CUTS and their rendition of EARTH ANGEL emerged from the grey matter, so you know know what I'm going to search for next....
Keep listening! Love that you are doing this at 88!
I lost my dog yesterday, so most of you know why I'm here. 17 wonderful years with him. He traveled all over the USA with me on road trips, visiting National Parks and such. Almost always by my side.
"He spoke with tears of fifteen years how his dog and him
Traveled about
The dog up and died
He up and died
After twenty years he still grieves"
Yes. I can understand that. Just brilliant lyrics. There is a special love between dogs and humans, like no other.
RIP my best buddy. RIP. You will always be loved and will be missed everyday.
Sorry for your loss!
Condolences.
I just went through the same , I look at the memories and thank god I had the opportunity to share life with my dog
I know the feeling brother God bless your buddy
Sorry for your loss.
I know.😢
As an alcoholic and a washed up professional singer. I’ve always empathized with this song. Keeps me going when times get hard. How he finds the joy in performing in the darkest of times is both beautiful and heartbreaking. A skill I’m still trying to learn.
We ain't judged till the end...Till then; you have PLENTY of minutes left to give the world of yourself...:)...Cat Stevens helps with the hard times too...:)
Judged in the end for what? Over some woman (who I have never met or known in person) over taking a bite out of a piece of fruit in the garden of Eden? I don't think so. I am not taking the blame for that. Not guilty!
@@GeorgeCarlinWasAGod :)...Sorry, I should have been more succinct...I'm not suggesting some sort of "heaven" like thing; As a philly native for more than half a century, I've lost more people I've loved, than I can count...My point was more related to; how people respond to your death... Simultaneously, I'm not disregarding some sort of a judgement thing...I just don't know, nor do you...
I hope you're doing well
Oh my soul is lit by this
I've been taking care of my mother for decades until I lost her last Christmas to Alzheimer's. I lost my dad 26 years ago. The grieving never ends. The sense of emptiness, the loss, the longing for your loved ones' return never ends...
You just have to smile pray. and go on.
That's for sure
"The truth is everyone is going to hurt you. You just have to find the ones worth suffering for."
-Robert Nestor Marley
So True Im 40 years in..😪
Lost my spouse back on January 25th (exactly one month after Christmas) of this year (2022.) You are correct. The grieving never ends. At least not for some of us it does not. It has actually completely destroyed my health and made me terminally ill myself. I will probably be gone by sometime next year (2023.) It is called, "Dying from a broken heart."
I am almost 70 and I am ashamed to say I took this song for granted when I was young, and never really paid attention to it. The lyrics are wonderful. Just imagine, in a 3.24-minute song it tells the story of a guy who is down and out in prison in New Orleans and meets a broken down old alcoholic who used to be a soft shoe dancer. He learns of his love for his dog and of his life. But in that horrible old jail cell, the singer learns Mr. Bojangles' philosophy. He can laugh and dance in the face of all the sorrow and troubles in life. Right there in that old cell he jumps up and lands lightly on this feet, and that right there explains everything. Pardon me while I have a good cry for his life, for mine which is in its end phase, and for the amazing spirit of human beings who can look life and death in the face and still dance. What a fantastic song!
+Valteron8 That my brother is called wisdom ... from the time we were born to the time we die its seperated by a dash. thats how short life is ! im just a few laps behind you ... so lets smile and dance !!! Peace !!!
My sir I am only 31 and life has brought great pain and joy. Thank you for your wisdom as my sister, a friend and I set off as the new owners of the business after the death of the boss we loved so dear.
+Valteron8 Wow , how did we get here so quickly Ha Ha , 65 and counting , Blessed beyond belief,and not financially , songs like this can elevate a person "if"they are receptive .
Me Too ;)
The lyrics of the song are what grabbed me many years ago.. sad, sweet, love song.
Amazing Song! My husband plays acoustic guitar and he played this for a dear neighbour friend just hours before she passed Oct 25, 2021 at age 83. To our surprise at the end she woke up clapped her hands and said again please. Beautiful moment...Her 8 yr old pup now lives with us. RIP Marjory and may we give many thanks for this wonderful song ❤
AMEN
Stephanie plz tell ur husband he is a awesome guy for playing that for her before she passed away and can you plz tell her family that they don’t half to worry and that she is now with her mom and dad and her grandparents and tell them that its going to be ok i now this because I lost my grandma in feb of 2021 so plz leg them now that there not alone and you and ur husband are awesome for taking in her puppy after her passing and for what your husband did for her before she passed and you taking in her dog for her surely earned both you guys a place in heaven may god bless your guysis family but also her you guys are awsome.
What a great story! And sorry for the loss of your friend.
Stephanie - what a kind & caring thing for you & your husband to do for your neighbor - y’all must be true sweethearts - and then to take her dog …. Beautiful - you know, this song in general makes me tear up & especially the part where he talks with tears about his dog dying and how he was still grieving for him after 20 years 😰 My parents lost a 16 year old cocker spaniel when they were in their mid 70’s - were afraid to get another dog that he would outlive them - I promised them that they didn’t have to worry about that - that if it happened, their dog would of course always have a home with me - well, that was exactly what happened - my stepfather died first in 2015, then my mom in 2017 - she lived with me after my stepfather died so at least her little doggy felt at home - he will be 13 in September - We love each other 🥰
Sorry for our loss, good that you got her dog and are giving her or him all the love that he needs because he's going to miss his guardian God bless you peace out. 🦮💕
My girlfriend and I saw the Dirt Band at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach, Ca. She became my wife and we loved this music until she passed, leaving me after forty seven years of marriage. I listened to this and cried my eyes out missing her and remembering the good times. Great music and a wonderful show. Thank you .
Best to you, Brother.
Thanks for sharing, John. My wife and I (also from So. Cal.) often talk about how lucky we are to have had a wonderful 48 years together. We know it's almost over. We try to appreciate every single hour of every day. It's a lesson, isn't it?
I’m so sorry for your loss
❤A-men!!!❤
You lucky dog!😂❤
Storytelling has all but disappeared from modern music. I miss it.
So do I..
Join the club. I have grown sick of this autotune bubble gum pop nonsense.
Friend you are preaching to this choir. Great song and great band. Miss these types of songs in music today....they had heart.
Its out there, you just have too look. I would imagine if you like this style, check out a band like The Black Lilies. The great thing about this digital age is that the listener is more in control now.
The problem now is that corporate America owns all the major radio stations - coast to coast. Back in the day, a record could break out from nearly anywhere because of locally owned stations. As a result bands and great records were created all over the world. Now, that's all gone because a young, talented group (and there are many out there) is facing staggering odds against them of ever making it. As long as corporations control the main access, musically were in purgatory.
People could've danced to this in 1865 as easily as in 1965...or 2065. After all of us are gone, this song will go on.
So true... Well said.
very well said!
Here Here
Alan Beaver yes
it's also a waltz, which has been around for a while
RIP to Jerry Jeff Walker, who passes today 😥
My daddy taught me this song among so many other southern rock anthems. Im caring for him with Alzheimers. He doesnt remember this song tonight, but i do and im playing it for my kids. ❤
Great memories Crystal. Be strong mate. Been there.
Play it often.
Crystal, you just broke my heart. I’m trying to not let my wife see my tears.
❤
God bless your Dad lots of prayers from Australia
I found an abandoned kitten living under propane tanks at a convenience store about 6 years ago. It took me 3 hours to rescue him because he kept running around. I named him Mr Bojangles. The first couple years he would barely let me pet him. He finally learned to trust and is the sweetest cat ever. A true blessing. I pulled this song up today to have a listen, and it made me cry. What a song this was.
We had a kitten living under our very old log house and left fish out for her and after months she began to trust us and was a very special sweet loved and a lover cat to everyone..
@@rooky55 ❤️✨
Been there. ❤
Ah yes... ❤
pat your self on back heart went with good name u picked
Jerry Jeff Walker, known for writing 'Mr. Bojangles,' dies at 78--we lost another one. Rest in Peace ...thank you for this song--it survives still.....
:-{
RIP JJ Walker Blasting his music loud tonight in Central Texas
ANOTHER GREAT TALENT IS GONE FOREVER 😢
amen
I get misty eyed every time I hear this version. Thanks for sharing the name of the author. I was wondering.
Are there a lot of us old hippies who still love the 60s-70s music diversity, lyrics, & revolutionary music?
Millions--
He wasn't a big drinker but owned/operated bars and I was a young girl in Heaven sitting on a stool behind his bar! But maybe the thing that I have always related to him was the story being something he would have told about, part from knowing someone he could think of as
Mr. Bojangles to his sad demeanor....HE was my Mr. Bojangles! That wonderful man died when I was almost 17, and now at 64, I have grieved for him and missed him for 48 years now. I will be there with him in a bit. .oh my Lord, what a happy day to be reunited with my Mr. Bojangles...love you,Poppie....
Yes! I'm 64 and have loved this song since day one!! For some reason I have always thought of my beloved grandfather as Mr. Bojangles....
This is the first part of a story I finished a few posts back about my grandfather....
Peace and Love, brother!!!
This was my friends favorite she was killed by a drunk driver in front of me. We were 15. Always in my dreams
I am sorry, My condolences to his Family God Bless, Jerry Jeff Walker died Oct 23rd ,2020
Amen . I listen to this often . And still will.. God bless us all
Most of the people in this comment section are reminiscing of old times, I maybe only 18 but this song means a lot to me. Used to listen to this on the radio with my dad, he passed when I was 15. Lots of these old songs take me back and I hope to share songs like these with my kids someday.
Good on ya mate, i bet you miss him. Rock on.
I definitely understand still missing a dog after that long. :/
In 1975 I had a dog named "Phadra." She "up and died" that year. It's been 45 years and when I hear this song, I still shed a tear. She was the best dog ever!
After 20 years he still grieves. I can relate to that. I still grieve all the dogs I've ever had. And will until the day I die.
My German Shepard died in 1978. After all these years, I still grieve for him. He was the best dog ever. His name was Wolf.
I know how u feel. Did u get anoyher or would the pain be too great?
Man, I get it! I love my dog now, but it’s not the same. She was special in a very rough time in my life.
you mean jerry walkers dog this band is a cover of his song
Excellent portrayal of respect for our elderly whether drunk, dirty, or misunderstood. Each life holds magic. The writer was a magician & a humanitarian to tap into the hermit as he did.
so well said.
Treat everyone with human decency no matter who they are everybody deserves respect and kindness and love and understanding. God bless everyone be safe show kindness love and most of all pray peace out 🦮🙂🙏👍🙏🙏🙏🦋🎶🎵❤️
Or homeless
@@susanleone9767 I was so lucky to have a compassionate Dad that gave me these values 62 years ago when I was so young and learning. God bless my Dad and all the people he helped over his lifetime.
bingo bud!!! well said i try to tell folks this daily. we didnt correct ppl as child and taught to never judge or correct or talk bad behind back. darw my parents hush ir scold a grown up we resoected them listened and naturally didnt mimic their ways l. thats called showing adults n ppl R espect
Few people know that there was a real Bill "Bojangles" Robinson who, despite his fame and success, died penniless. Thankfully, the TV personality Ed Sullivan paid for his funeral in New York City where over 32,000 people paid their respects.
People know about him. Some think that this song is about him, but it is not. I didn't know he died penniless, though.
The song is about a street clown performer who called himself “Bojangles” who was inspired by Bill Robinson. Bill never drank nor smoked and he never had a dog.
This song is a true story. The writer, Jerry Jeff Walker, was tossed into a New Orleans jail along with a group of other people that were in the vicinity of a stabbing that had occurred in 4th of July crowd. . Many of them were local drunks or homeless and had fake names that they gave to the police. The dancer that the song was about told them he was "Mr. Bo Jangles", of course having been inspired by the original.
@@barryfullmer8705 …or never admitted that he had a dog whom he mourned for longer than it was alive!
Everyone always said Ed Sullivan was a great guy on the QT God rest both their souls
One of the greatest songs ever written by Mr. Jerry Jeff Walker. Farewell Mr. Walker and thank you for giving us a fabulous song. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band did your song well.
Agree !!!
Love this song but this version is my favourite
Sammy Davis Jr. also did the song so well too.
@@griffin06001 I love both versions by Sammy and by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
@@take942 And Sammy could dance!
This song fucks me up in ways I can’t express. The lyrics about how he grieves for his dog for 20 years destroy me. 😩
ua-cam.com/video/4Q3phOFDheg/v-deo.html
You got a problem with that ?
And in 2021 we still love this song ; and our dogs... and mr. Bojangles
@@B126USMC and all the versions i also love Sammy Davis jnrs version
Knowing that I might outlive my Charlie boy hurts me every day. Spend every day as if it's their last. Dogs don't live long. Love em while you have em.
This song takes me back to bell bottoms, long hair, Boones farm wine, and hot summer nights at the lake, miss those days.
remembe r them all including the garbage (Boones Farm) ..ha
+Kay James yes me too
Funny, I've always associated this song with summer - which is precisely why I'm listening to it during the first weekend of Summer 2016.
omg Boones Farm and Ripple Wine !!!!!
You can still buy Boones Farm for $1.99 a bottle.Those were the days!
I’m 65 years young and I remember the sound when it first came out I was just a teenager and I still love Mr. Bojangles 🇺🇸🌈☕️😍
a year younger than you...loved it... used to go see the hobos Norfilk Southern...
yankee two VERY COOOL 😎
65 Years young here also. Remember the song well !!!!
@@alph8654 Ditto
Mad love brother....
The lyric about Bojangles' losing his dog gets me every time. Dog are the best people.
Yeah for me too. The waterworks start.
No dogs are not the best people. Sterling North pointed out raccons are the best people and title a book thusly!😂
This song is my brother's he passed away OMG how I miss him 😢😢😮😢😢
💔😥 I'm sorry...It would be worse, if you didn't remember him. Remember those good times. ❤
Absolutely priceless ~ This song will go on forever~
I feel exactly the same ! Priceless.....
Robin C I like the song so well I namedy dog after this song
Robin C that's the best song for me be driving down the road with a big smile on my face REMEMBER WHEN
You have that one right about that song. It will go on forever endeed it will.
Robin C ur so right my friend 😉
71 now. I think I was about 20 when this song was popular. What memories it brings back, both good and bad. My brother and I camping and fishing in the Midwest....wonderful. How could 50 years have gone by so quickly? I listened to The Circle Game just before listening to this, and that brought on a tear. I’m the last one still living from my family of origin, my brother having died in February. I’m grieving his loss, the loss of my family, the loss of my health, and the loss of my youth. I know, though, that I was and still am incredibly blessed and fortunate to have lived the life I lived. I love you my brother.
My brain never could never let go of that name. JJW. I grew up listening to mr bo jangles unforgettable
Wow mirrors could not be clearer i miss my little brother. God bless
I’m praying for you and your brother my brother
Your story made me cry.
the future that appeared to stretch ahead forever has passed in the blink of an eye. what used to be a gentle trickle of sand passing through the hour glass, has become as a white water rapids pushing me into next year before i've hardly started with this one.. .. i was 73 last week, and like you am the last surviving member of my family. this song has always been a favorite of mine, but its meaning changed totally as the years have passed. my dog is sleeping pressed up against me now as i type, and i think it's time for another glass of rum, and maybe a pipe. ....peace.
I'm so lucky to have grown up in an era of great music like this.
George Vreeland Hill wasnt it wonderful. music today just cant compare.
Absolutely loved the era
+George Vreeland Hill I'm so lucky that I grew up with Parents who Listened to music like this.
+George Vreeland Hill - Amen brother.
You mean to tell me you don't like kanye???
None of us knew back then what what great music we had. We never thought it would end. But at the end about all we have left are memories.
And the Music ! ! !
So very sad how bad the music is today. I'm 68, and we had the best music by far. Once "Guns & Roses" broke up after the 1993 double album, Rock was dead.
I'm 69. I definitely knew what great music we had and attended easily 100 concerts in my 20s and 30s.
Agreed...."The dog up and died...after 20 years he still grieves"
My best friends. Unconditional love.
I would die for them.
Lost one of my furry friends on November 15, he turned 16 on November 9. Still grieving. 😢
My sincere condolences
Omg! Yes!!!
@@bonniehartman8304 awfully sorry. Bless you
@@amyknarr2270 thank you
I luv this song
This song touches home with me. I've lost two dogs, never had a woman last with me long enough to grieve. lol I miss those dogs.
Same here. You aren't alone.
I hope you found a woman to love you. But I know what you mean about the love of dogs.
♡
Try score a fattie bro
Sounds sadly familiar.
What a great song!! We should have appreciated music back then!! Nothing compares today!!!!
You got that right!
Haven’t heard this in a long time. My four dogs are special.
The dog up and died, he up and died
And after 20 years he still grieves
Always gets to me. Popular music stinks now
I choke up on that line
Mainly because the goal of popular music artists today don't utilize their talents into actual music production as they focus too much on their style and action to impress others.
You mean like Beyonce', Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Kanye West, Rhianna, Niki Minaj, etc., etc., etc.,
Happy Camper • Seeing the lyrics for the first time (I'm almost 62), I'm pleased to know that his dog was not named "Yuppin." After all these years...lol!
O
Jerry Jeff Walker wrote one hell of a song, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band absolutely nailed it. Brought the old dancer to life in vivid imageries.
You could feel the flapping of his clothes and see the joy and grief in his eyes.
Master piece of story telling.
I love how a song can mean so many different things to so many different people. Life's a movie man, music is the soundtrack. Love it all while you can.
I'm 34. My buddy in grade school nicknamed me Mr. Bojangles. He passed at the age of 27. I had a pug for 13 years. He passed in 2021. This song gets me every time... Much love to you all.
you don't know what it's like to love a dog till you have had a pug. I know how you feel.
Then my Mom got another dog. STELLA baby girl Doggie. That Dog was a big Sweetie, she loved humans. She died after 10 years. Buried in the ground.
Jerry Jeff Walker has painted the most moving gentle sad portrait. At times we are all in our own prison cells. Thanks .
I hear ya loud and clear my brother. I just got out of my own “prison cell “ mentally, physically and emotionally. Life is great when I escape to the music I grew up with ✌️
@@johnnylongaphy5437 Keep playing the music of your youth and life....stay positive and love yourself and God!
I loved that song always. Sweet and moving.
YES!!
The entire system of things is a prison. We need Gods Kingdom to see us free.
This song always touches me, but the verse about his dog dying after 15 years and after 20 years he still grieves makes me so sad I break out in tears.
It's been 10 and 6 years since my girls have passed and not a day goes by that I don't cry. I miss them so much. My heart still breaks. Especially when my last girl, Jasmine, was only 4 years old.
I here you
I miss all the dogs I can remember having in my lifetime that have come and gone and really miss them dearly
If I'm singing along my voice always cracks on the word ''grieves.''
@@Mindy0328 im so sorry
I was in a park in 1972, just graduated high school. Me and a buddy were celebrating and swinging on the park swings , singing Mr Bojangles, at 2am. An officer came by and looked at us , just smiled and walked away. Life was different, people were different then. This song is sad because it wont ever come back, Even Einstein said its become appallingly clear technology has surpassed our Humanity. And that is sad.,,,,,,a future of Robotic like people who don't know what is like to really live..Im Glad to have had memories and moments in life where I really lived. This song conjures up those memories. Cry? Hell yes at least you know your feelings are still intact.
I was drunk as a skunk one night when I was 17, walking (staggering!) around when a cop pulled over to check me and my friend out (he was sober.) After he checked my ID he put me in his car... I knew I was going to jail! He took me home and turned me over to my mom. Hell I wish he would've arrested me, lol. Yes it certainly was a different time.
Life was great
Boy, this country has gone to hell since then
The 70s were great for the most part except for Vets from Nam getting crapped on !
Agree..beautifully said
brings a tear to my eye every time I hear this song.. the part about him and his dog...I have a story about how I thought I saw a man that could have been Mr. Bojangles with his dog or someone of his fate.... too long and too tearful for me to tell it here...thank you for posting this tune...
I know exactly what you mean. I was pally with a guy a few years ago. He had a dog called Lady and he was a GENTLEMAN of the road.❤❤😊
I so well understand never getting over the dog; they are so loyal and wonderful to have, sometimes it's just not possible to get over.
"He spoke with tears of fifteen years how his dog and him
Traveled about
The dog up and died
He up and died
After twenty years he still grieves"
It still gets me.
@@FL8mileshigh1 It still gets me too; especially today as today marks 10 years since my dog died and the grievance took me extra hard today.
Absolutely amazing song. New music is actually insulting in it's presence
never gets old, makes me smile and cry
I had a cat named Mr bojangles he was my best friend he passed when I was 10 it’s been 10 years and I still really miss him
My brothers dog died this morning. Hi name was Bojangles. This song reminds me of that wonderful soul.
Thank you Jerry Jeff Walker for an amazingly true minstrels song. The NGDB does so much justice to it that no other band will ever match. Just pure pleasure.
I wish I could play this well.
Bruce Grafsgard Look at my cover? This is a song my father loved..
Ppm gy @ z.Z. b n v.H. k z.Z. m muh nachzuweisen n'm 5 5 v.H. 1
@@conellvinson6221 classically da best.
Love jerry jeff
My dog died 3 years ago and I still mourn and cry for him 😢☹️
its like a human
President Nixon once admitted he teared up each time he heard this song. Then he went back to calling people SOBs and other slurs.
I can't decide if I'm crying for Jerry Jeff or what we we've lost in music or when we lost music
When you figure out why we are crying, please let me know because I dewed up without realizing why too!
Perhaps for it all. no shame in that!
I am 61 and I the music in my heart is from the 50's 60's and 70's the music was fantstic
Or, also for Bill "Bojangles" Robinson.
For the way the world has turned out...
I love The Nitty Gritty. Arlo Guthrie. Bob Dylan. I love all the artists of the 60's n 70's.
This song still makes me cry. 20 years his dog died he still grieves. Sad
me too, such is life. i miss the "talking-in" intro 'bout the old fella down at the Post Office. (IIRC)
This song is very sad that he grieves the loss of his dog,i had 4 dogs,after my marriage failed and he left,thinking maybe the grass was more exsiting,those dogs became part of our family,and did i learn what real love 💘 was thay since have gone ,to rainbow bridge i miss them so much but i know thay watch over me .God bless,stay safe,peace out.✌👍😷🐾🐾☺😞
I'm crying now. And it's embarrassing because I'm at a bus stop. I love my dog so much. He was almost killed by a larger dog a couple years ago and still limps. Just the thought of losing him some day makes me cry. I'm 52 and remember this song well. So the nostalgia adds to my sorrow. What happened to our world? This is progress? Everything, including music was better before.
@@thememoryhole9355 I know this song is very sad I lost for my dogs over the years and I'm still grieving them they're all in Rainbow Bridge I still have days where I cry like a baby and it just goes in waves the love that you got from a dog is undescribable. In the meantime you're lucky that you still have your buddy with you as far as his leg if you're able to I would look into getting an acupuncture it does work and they do do it on dogs do your research this world has changed dramatically and it's it's very sad as you said what it's coming to try and keep safe, God bless, peace out😷🐕🐾🐾🐾❤👍✌
Thats what makes us human .amen .I'm still grieving &have all thay asses, so when it's my time we will be together sailing the see on a full moon.i miss them terribly😧God bless,stay safe,peace out.😷❤👍🐾💃❤
"Walker 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 man who called himself "Mr. Bojangles" to conceal his true identity from the police. Mr. Bojangles 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 knew the guy that is referred to as Mr. Bojangles. I met him in New Orleans. He tapped danced on the street for money. And despite all of the sad stories, he didn't die penniless.
@@fredhodge9058 That’s comfort to hear. Thank you for this information . I cry like hell every time I listen to this song.
The night my son was being born, in Dublin, Ireland in 1980, this wonderful song was playing in there ward. I never forgot it. It means so much to me.
I'm here because people talked about a song that made them cry…this is a song that will make you cry.
Kelly oxo Yes, it makes me cry every time I hear it
I just farted.
Tried it . .. . . . . . it worked
Pat Fitzgerald asshat
u came to the right place
This song is a true classic in the most pure sense of the word. It's meaning and melody will stand any test of time. It is a rare and well told story of a portion of one man's life. I love it; always have since the first time I heard it.
Well said!:-)
Linda Fields I agree, Linda. And anyone that has ever had a dog canunderstand his grief, and it that explains why " I drinks a bit".
Linda Fields I like the original version better.
This is the one I love best as it relates the feelings of grief.
Jesse Pinkman
Written by Jerry Jeff Walker...
My dad introduced me to this song and when I heard the part about him still grieving for his dog I cried. Hit me in the feels real hard. Losing a dog is rough.
I miss my 2 black labs so much. I often think of this song knowing
I'll grieve like Bojangles
It sure does I had four of them and I had them for many years and I'm still grieving over them I rescued another one and God granted me two years with him so I had five in total and I'm still grieving all of them they teach you so many things and you teach them so many things it's wonderful the things that you learn from animals and yet people are so cruel to them I don't understand I don't understand at all I don't think I ever will we all their voice beautiful beautiful people they all slept in my bed it was almost like I lived in their house God bless everybody stay safe pray be kind and show love peace out 🎵🎶🦋👍🙏🙏🙏🙏🙂🦮
Yes, that’s the part that gets me the most - I lost my beloved chocolate Lab, Abby, 3 years ago & I will never really get over the loss - she was the dog of my heart 💔
I am sorry too I know the feeling all too well hurts bad like family they don’t know what’s in store
Yeah it makes me cry too... my dog and I travelled together, too,
And now he's gone,
And I know, 20 years from now,
I'll still be grieving him.
He was my best friend.
2k thumb downs? Obviously some people don't appreciate art, and this song is pure art.
Such a heart breaking and heart warming song, at the same time. Man, it's one which, even if I forget about it for a while, when I hear it again it's such an emotional rush. Love it.
DITTO! I got tears as I read your comment - so here I go again, just sitting on the dock of the bay with Mr. Bo Jangles sitting by my side>>>>>
Song puts a tear to my eye every time
Do you have to cry it’s just a song
Yes, back in the day when music WAS music. Beautiful.
There's still music but you have to look for it
Got that right 👍
Who's a guy who thinks today's population of 8 billion people can't make music?... That guy ^^^
@@nonwibb That same guy up there that thinks music is not renewable lol
Des Hood that is the truth
I knew a man, Bojangles and he danced for you
In worn out shoes
Silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants
The old soft shoe
He jumped so high
He jumped so high
Then he'd lightly touch 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
He 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, a better stance
Oh, he jumped so high
Then he clicked his heels
He let go a laugh
He let go a laugh
Pushed back his clothes all around
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance
He danced for those in minstrel shows and county fairs
Throughout the south
He spoke with tears of fifteen years how his dog and him
Traveled about
The dog up and died
He up and died
After twenty 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
He said I drinks a bit
He shook his head
And as he shook his head
I heard someone ask him please
Please
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Mr. Bojangles
Dance
amen
Love this song and lyrics.. Always get teary eyes.. 😢
"His dog up and died" gets me every time I hear this song
Me too Donna 😪❤
Me too, my dog live for 19 years 3 months and two days, I know I was blessed to have him that long but it wasn't enough, he hasn't been gone quite a year yet, I suffer everyday, I was way too attached
@@rockylombardo6978I'm sorry for your loss. I'd like to say it gets better but its been 13 years since I put my best friend down, as long as he lived and I still have times that I tear up. I've at least been able to get more dogs and not compare them to him and yes it still hurts to put them down but I treat them well and love them more than people which may be wrong but not in my eyes for the only thing pets do wrong is leave us too soon. :(
Put too many dogs down. Don't want another because it hurts
@@jp-mc2bp I’ve had or been around dogs most of my seventy years and I’ve had to put a few down and it does hurt, but I wouldn’t be without one. I’ve got two now aged 4 and 10 hopefully for quite a while yet.
They don't write story telling songs like this anymore. I was born in the 70's. I've been blessed to have the best damn playlists of the last several decades. 😍
Agree!! Same here, good old days, wish it could come back!!! If only...
They're still writing songs like this, but we're not listening anymore, every generation or two has their " Don't write them like they used to" songs. Late 60's thru 90's for me✌
Born in 61' remember when this first hit vinal !! I. Still spin it every day !!
Me toooo!!!
@@srstone0909 Late 60s and 70s for me
Jerry Jeff Walker from Upstate NY wrote this song! He told some of us the story in The Clarity Bar on Bourbon St. in the French Quarter one night circa '75! Johnnie Walker was the Musician playing that night , Jerry Jeff was very impressed by Johnnie , he could play any kind of music ...he was a brilliant artist , he wound up joining a NOLA Band called Vince Vance & The Valiants with myself. I had to quit cause I couldn't sing harmony only leads.But ,Johnnie then was killed in a car accident and I lost a great new friend. So while Jerry Jeff sat in , he told how he wrote Bojangles , who was an old white guy drunk in the 1st Pct. Jail telling his story, just so happened it was where Jerry Jeff was spending the nite also for being drunk ! Right Place @ Right time for JJ , but oh so wrong place for Johnnie Walker !
What an interesting story! I had no idea Jerry Jeff wrote this song. It's really a classic, and the N.G.D.B. does it so very well. I'm sure you have many interesting stories about your experiences in the bands with whom you played, the performers you knew and the experiences you had. Maybe you should write a book!
jp3923 I get told the book is a good idea many times , actually write allot of the stories on my blog already....there are some really cool people I have partied with and just got to know briefly , but for some reason they remember meeting me , further on down the road !
The Wizard of Rock and Roll You are just too modest and working too cheap by putting all this personal knowledge on your Blog. LOL. Bet you would be surprised to learn how many books you would sell to just C & W fans if you wrote it and found a co-writer/publisher with whom to collaborate. Just sayin'. Thank you for your thoughtful reply.
The Wizard of Rock and Roll they remember you cause your the one the song was talking about haha
upstate NY is prison heaven. each county or every other has as a state pen. each county a jail off topic but not a surprise some one was pay n a visit thanks for the story meshed well with this classic
This is a great song with so much emotion behind it. I could listen to it all day long. The line where Bojangles still grieves for his dog makes me get a little misty every time.
🥺
Back then there was still meaningful stories.Magic,even if often elusive,in the air. Today is indeed the Plastic Age...
H Stevens fake plastic trees
And fake plastic people...
This song is from a time remembered or known by listening to our elders . We of this generation may be some of the last to truly understand the story being told here.. it’s not gangsta, a spectacle meant to shock so as to distinguish the singer or any other music that lacks the magic to reach far down into our hearts and remind us life isn’t always charmed, that a man such as described has dignity and a story and loved his dog. There’smore Heart and soul than any number of these new artists.
Randy B obviously you’re listening to the wrong music. How can you speak on behalf of a whole generation, and classify all of today’s music as ‘gangsta’. That’s ignorant. Listen around and maybe you’ll notice that different people in a new generation have different tastes, just like any other generation. I respect all music, even ‘gangsta’ music. Often enough, some of said artist have had a tougher go than Mr. Bojangles - just keep your ears open and don’t switch the song as soon as you hear the artist say “f**k”.
R.I.P. to my uncle David. This was his song. Jan 1, 2017
My oldest friend name was David B. He loved this song and always said he was going to name his first child Bojangles. Not the same Davd I'm sure ????
My David died August 29 will be 3 years this August
Yeah R.I.P. to my Uncle Jeff.
This was his favorite s long back in the day too. I sure do miss him a lot. God bless🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Shut the fuck up
💙🙏🏻💙
Reminds me of being a young boy, dance at my dads house to his music. Miss him, rest well dad.
Just reading all peoples comments about their beloved dogs. I love dogs. They are so intelligent, have so much emotion and understanding of your moods. They KNOW us and they love us deeply. The more you love them the more they love back. I heard this song in the car this morning, first time in a LONG time. Brought back memories some happy some quite sad. I pray that the Good Lord lets all our dogs into heaven. Imagine the greeting we'll get.
From one dog lover to another what a beautiful comment
We all get sad cuz the dog who loved us died....We should love each other like our dogs love us
True that........
I don't think that's possible, we're humans.
Yeah that part really gets to me. I had a dog who was by my side for 17 years it broke my heart when he died, it still is broken.
You deserve a million likes for that comment! If we could all show a little more love and respect for each other, the world just might be a nicer place to live!! And our hearts all break over the loss of a beloved pet, be it a cat, dog, rabbit. You
Amen👍
When can we go back to an era of real music? :( I hate today's music.
It's not allowed anymore. Advertisers won't tolerate music that requires talent or thinking. If you dare play music more cerebral than ABABAB rhyming schemes or changing tempos, they'll punish you by pulling advertising dollars.
do you realize that every generation says that about the new generation's music? Music styles change. Not everyone likes to see that happen.
Ha! So true. I'm officially old!
No I'm afraid time has no do-overs
I avoid it
OK, i know this will sound crazy, but it is true. I was 13 and working at a small store and deli in Manassas, va around 1964. That day i was working behind the deli and another employee running the register. The railroad ran just a hundred feet in front of the store. The store was quiet because it was a Sunday. I looked over the counter and a raggedy old black man was standing there. He had 29 cents and asked me to give him 29 cents worth of cheese. As i was cutting the piece , he just started dancing all over the store. Sometimes his feet would go above his head although he looked to about seventy years old. After he was done i asked where he learned to dance like that and he said he just done it all his life. Then he said his name was Bojangles. I had never heard of that name before, and was really impressed with him. I cut him a big slice of ham and a bigger block of cheese. I weighed it and then went to the cashier and paid for it. He thanked me and walked out the door and to the railroad tracks . Last i saw him he was climbing into a box car. I have thought of him and that day a lot over my 68 years. I always wondered if i actually saw the one from this song. All i know is he could float on air. Even if he wasn't the same man, i'll always think of Bojangles.
They say being given the title bojangles grants the ability to remove the gravity and brittle bone debuffs
One of the 1st songs to come out of the 70s, What a song for the 70s Was a Great sign of MANY MORE GREAT SONGS TO COME
Jerry Jeff Walker, who wrote this song, died today, October 24, 2020. 2020 blows.
Rest in peace, and thanks for leaving this treasure.
The greatest achievement for a human is to leave something immortal behind. "Art is long, life is short."
Every time I hear this song I tear up. I just can't help it.
Another great recording of it is David Bromberg's seven-minute rendition of "Mr. Bojangles" from 1972's Demon in Disguise, interspersed with tales about traveling with the song's author, Jerry Jeff Walker.