[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)
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!
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.
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.
[Rhythm Games] Popular Cup Songs Compilation (11–20)
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.
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.
Screen DoorRich Mullins
This is a cup-song arrangement of “Screen Door,” released in 1987 by American Christian music singer Richard Wayne Mullins.
It’s included on the album “Pictures in the Sky.” The performers showcase a high-level technique by playing cups while singing in perfect sync as a trio.
Their joyful ensemble is especially memorable.
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!