[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?
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[Rhythm Games] A Collection of Popular Cup Songs (1–10)
Shape of youEd Sheeran
A song by Ed Sheeran that became a huge hit in 2017.
At the Grammys that same year, it won Best Pop Solo Performance.
In the video, the cup routine is performed by two people, each assigned different roles for producing sounds.
You can see creative touches like not only tapping but also incorporating scraping sounds on the floor.
Racing into the NightYOASOBI
For cups, I recommend four-on-the-floor tracks! The massive hit that brought the music duo YOASOBI into the spotlight, “Yoru ni Kakeru” (Racing into the Night), was released digitally in 2019 and is based on Mayo Hoshino’s short story “Thanatos no Yuuwaku” (An Invitation from Thanatos).
It’s emotional, yet tinged with a certain wistfulness—the kind of song that instantly pulls you into its world the moment you listen.
The steady rhythm also makes it easy to add your own arrangements!
Ten thousand feet in the Alps
Speaking of “Arupusu Ichimanjaku,” it’s a classic hand game that everyone has played at least once.
Usually two people play by singing and clapping their hands together, but this time, try playing with cups with your friend.
First, sit facing each other and take turns keeping the rhythm while singing.
After you finish taking turns, try doing it together at the same time.
If you want to make it harder, you can add more complex moves, and it’s also fun to harmonize or sing it as a round while you play.
It’s great with more people, too!
[Rhythm Games] Popular Cup Songs Compilation (11–20)
A Little Love SongMONGOL800
When it comes to MONGOL800’s signature songs, it has to be “Chiisana Koi no Uta” (A Little Love Song)! Since its 2001 release, it’s been covered by many artists and is an extremely popular track known even among today’s elementary school students.
If you’re playing cups, you want to pick a song everyone knows, right? Beyond its fame, this song features love-themed lyrics that kids can easily relate to, along with a catchy, bright melody.
If you’re doing cups as a group, this song is highly recommended.
For the chorus, try adding claps or increasing cup movements so you don’t get outdone by the song’s energy!
My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS
It’s a song by the Japanese rock band RADWIMPS.
It was chosen as the theme song for Makoto Shinkai’s 2016 animated film Your Name.
In this cups video, the introduction is calm, but after the 50-second mark it showcases a very technical, up-tempo performance.
The sky is watching.Little Glee Monster
Little Glee Monster is a female vocal unit that made their major debut in 2014.
Their original songs are paired with couples, embodying their concept of bringing joy to people’s hearts through vocals alone.
Strike a pose together with the song and you’ll feel maximum accomplishment.
Fome comePalavra Cantada
This is a children’s cup song by Palavra Cantada, released in 1998.
It’s made up of simple, repeating phrases that seem doable with a little practice.
It’s a song that people of all ages, from adults to children, can enjoy.