A mother is telling a story to her child about her own childhood.

A mother is speaking to her son about climbing a crystal staircase.

A son is recounting a conversation his mother had with him about the general struggle towards earning a comfortable living

A mother is warning her son about the difficulties of life and the struggle to persevere.

The narrator describes a tiring climb up a beat-up staircase, which represents her persisting through difficulties and struggles in life.

The narrator compares a crystal staircase to her own life, symbolic of her own goals and the struggle towards them.

The narrator describes her climb up a dirty staircase which transforms into a crystal stair, which represents her ability to rise above difficulties.

The narrator describes herself going down a decrepit staircase, a figurative depiction of her continued problems.

Never forget your family

Persevere when life isn't easy.

Hope is the answer to all challenges.

Respect your elders.

"Well, son, I'll tell you: / Life for me ain't been no crystal stair." (Lines 1-2)

"It's had tacks in it, / And splinters, / And boards torn up, / And places with no carpet on the floor — / Bare." ( Lines 3-7)

"I'se been a-climbin' on, / And reachin' landin's, / And turnin' corners" ( Lines 9-11)

"So boy, don't you turn back. / Don't you set down on the steps / 'Cause you finds it's kinder hard. / Don't you fall now — / For I'se still goin', honey" ( Lines 14-18)