Sentimental Song

Although it was written and recorded in 1968, I think that it was the late 80's when I first heard it. First, arrested by it; later captured; then embraced. For more than 30 years, I have loved that song. It was the way that Sammie sang it; how he danced to it. I felt Mr. Bojangles's heart and understood his pain. "I drinks a bit", said he, but managed to 'jump so high'. Growing up, I knew many a man like Mr. Bojangles. I remember them, oh so well, and could name them one by one. But none were closer to my family than Baines, Billy, and Buba. They were abused and underserved. Their sad lives were never a song. But when I hear that Bojangles song, I can taste the sweetness of their lives. They were kind and gentle; worked hard from 6 to 6; too tired to 'jump so high'. Hurting none but themselves, they were skilled, talented, and drank more than a bit. The song takes me back to the 'Bojangles men' I once knew. They laughed a little, smiled readily, helped others faithfully, drank heavily. 071822PSCtest, One In Five 2. Chosen phrase, #3. Joseph May, Sponsor *Mr. Bojangles, written and produced by Jerry Jeff Walker Mr. Bojangles, version by Sammie Davis Jr. 1P