Barely Outta the Way (Ella's version)

(Verse 1)

I wake up broke but my mind’s lit up,

Got a half-smoked dream in a coffee cup.

Bills on the table like a losing hand,

But I still chase highs like a one-man band.

(Pre-Chorus)

Had that itch to play, just needed a ride,

Casino’s right there, barely off the side...

(Chorus)

Had to beg sweet Ella, plead and charm,

“Drop me off at the casino, it won’t do no harm.”

She rolled her eyes, said, “You better behave,”

But c’mon, girl, it’s barely outta the way.

I ain’t askin’ for Vegas or a holiday—

Just one good spin to make rent today.

(Verse 2)

I love gettin’ high, not just the smoke,

It’s the rush, the laugh, the half-broke joke.

Got dreams that cost and habits that sting,

But I still believe in the next big thing.

(Bridge)

Ella slowed down, gave me that look,

Like I asked for diamonds and her checkbook.

She said, “You owe me,” I said, “That’s true,”

She grinned and said, “An extra Thirty minutes rubbin’ my feet'll do.”

(Chorus)

Had to beg sweet Ella, plead and charm,

“Drop me off at the casino, it won’t do no harm.”

She rolled her eyes, said, “You better behave,”

But c’mon, girl, it’s barely outta the way.

I ain’t askin’ for Vegas or a holiday—

Just one good spin to make rent today.

(Outro – Spoken, Ella’s Roast)

> “Eric…

> You begged, you bargained, you promised to be quick.

> Then you hit me with that ‘barely outta the way’ line like it was clever.

> Newsflash: your jokes are like your luck—mostly bad and occasionally confusing.

> If I had a nickel for every time you tried to be funny,

> I wouldn’t need to drive you to the damn casino.”

*beat*