Well son, I'll tell: Life for me aint been no crystal stair. It's had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor -- Bare. But all the time I'se been a-climbin' on, And reachin landin's, And turnin corners, And sometimes goin' in the dark where there ain't been no light. So boy, dont you turn back. Dont you set out on the steps cause you find it's kinder hard. Dont you fall now--for I'se still goin', honey. I'se still climbn', And life for me aint been no crystal stair.