![[Rhythm Play] A roundup of popular cup songs](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/cmSbXsFE3l8/maxresdefault.webp)
[Rhythm Play] A roundup of popular cup songs
Have you heard of “Cups,” which is hugely popular around the world, especially among younger generations?
It’s a game that originated from Anna Kendrick’s song “Cups.” The rules are very simple: you move a cup and clap your hands in time with the music.
For some reason, though, it’s oddly satisfying and addictive.
With a bit of practice, you’ll pick it up quickly.
Why not try playing along to your favorite songs, using the cup song list in this article as a reference?
[Rhythm Games] A Collection of Popular Cup Songs (1–10)
Cups (Pitch Perfect’s “When I’m Gone”)Anna Kendrick
This is a number from the 2012 American musical comedy film Pitch Perfect, which could be called the original cup song.
After the film came out, countless people imitated the performance using a cup to keep the rhythm, sparking a boom.
I want to become the wind.THE BOOM
Since its 1995 release, “Kaze ni Naritai” has remained a beloved hit by THE BOOM around the world.
If you have kids, this might even be one of the songs that defined your own youth.
Its samba rhythm pairs well with cup routines, making it a great choice for recitals and other performances that audiences of all ages will enjoy.
When coordinating with cups, keep the beat by clapping or tapping the desk, and hit the cups on the fourth beat to build excitement.
Because the song’s tempo is relaxed, middle and high schoolers may find it more engaging if the hand movements are made a bit more intricate.
Let It GoIdina Menzel
Let’s try playing the theme song from Disney’s Frozen.
Since the song has a gentle tempo, the key is to go with the flow and ride the rhythm.
It’s also fun to do it in a circle with lots of friends.
Another great point is that everyone knows this song.
LOVE TO YOU -by CUPS-Suzu
This is a song by Suzu, a singer-songwriter from Okinawa known for her cups (cup percussion) skills.
It was released in 2014.
Like dance choreography, the music video incorporates cup-playing! Many girls will probably relate to the lyrics about feelings for someone they like.
If you’re in love and you like cups too, definitely give it a try.
The tempo is a bit fast, but the moves aren’t that complicated.
If you watch the music video and copy it, I think you’ll pick it up right away!
U.S.A.DA PUMP
Released in 2018, this song became so popular at the time that even toddlers could dance to it.
It was praised as “so uncool it’s cool” in a good way, and the choreography known as the “Like Dance” became a huge craze.
The track itself is danceable and very catchy, so you can have plenty of fun just repeating simple moves.
If you want to add more punch to your routine, try hyping up the intro with clapping, or incorporate big movements in the chorus by mimicking the Like Dance choreography!
SenbonzakuraKurousa-P
A smash hit released in 2011, sung by Hatsune Miku.
It later became a hot topic as it was covered by groups like Wagakki Band and artists like Sachiko Kobayashi, and even inspired novels and manga.
The tempo is extremely fast, so move your wrists as quickly as possible and perform with enough energy not to be outdone by the song.
Zankyo SankaAimer
Zankyo Sanka was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Entertainment District Arc.
The song is glamorous and fast-paced, and since it’s a popular anime song among children, especially elementary school students, featuring it in class would likely be a hit.
Skip the very beginning of the track for now, and first make sure everyone learns the rhythm well.
Then keep the beat using handclaps, desks, or cups.
As the song progresses, add more movement, and during the chorus, try passing or switching cups—adding slightly more complex actions makes it even more fun.