[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?
- A roundup of recreational activities and games using paper cups
- [For Adults] Fun Hand-Clapping Games: A Curated Selection of Ideas Great for Brain Training Too!
- Recommended songs for eurhythmics. Let's enjoy music using our bodies!
- Recreation Ideas That Truly Excite High School Students! A Fun Collection of Activities
- Fun activities for junior high school students. Recreation games.
- A classic song for musical chairs. Easy to walk to! Fun to listen to! Highly recommended.
- Pretend play in Eurhythmics! Fun music education for children
- [Play Right Away!] Exciting Recreation Games Recommended for Elementary School Students
- Fun for Kids! A Collection of DIY Musical Instrument Ideas Using Everyday Materials
- Popularity ranking of recreational activities for children
- Get the Fun Going! Easy Classroom Games You Can Play at School: Recreational Activities for the Whole Class
- Recommended Songs for Beginner Bands at School Culture Festivals
- [2026] Let's Sing at the Chorus Competition! A Roundup of Recommended Western Songs
[Rhythm Play] Compilation of Popular Cup Songs (21–30)
Under the Big Chestnut Tree
This song, “Under the Big Chestnut Tree,” is a children’s song often sung in autumn.
It’s popular with kids because they can enjoy hand games with it.
For cups beginners or younger children, why not start by playing with this short, easy-to-remember melody? Create one rhythm pattern over two measures and simply repeat it to play easily.
Even with a single rhythm pattern, you can raise the difficulty by speeding up the tempo or increasing the number of repetitions for the same motion, so siblings of different ages and parents and children can enjoy it together.
The Bear of the Forest
Speaking of cute animal songs, there’s “The Bear in the Forest.” It’s been one of the most popular children’s songs for ages! How about playing cups with your child using this tune? The song moves along at a pace like a steady walk, so even toddlers can enjoy it with simple motions.
Once you’ve mastered the basic moves, try creating your own rhythm patterns and have fun with them.
Just by playing, cups can improve concentration and a sense of rhythm, and it also leads to a sense of accomplishment.
Be sure to enjoy it together as a parent and child!
[Rhythm Play] Popular Cup Song Collection (31–40)
Do You Want to Build a Snowman?Kristen Anne Bell
Here is a cup song cover of an insert song from the movie Frozen.
It’s a high-quality performance that includes lines of dialogue and a short skit presented like a picture-story show.
Playing music with cups is wonderful, and enjoying music without being bound by form is truly lovely.
This song is the one where the protagonist, Anna, invites Elsa to “build a snowman.” The English lyrics are simple, so if you’d like to try a cup song while singing, definitely give it a go.
Let’s give it a tryWANIMA
Made famous as the song from the au commercial and now a staple dance track at events, “Yatte Miyou” is also great for a cup song.
Moving the cups to its irresistibly bouncy beat gives you a real rush.
As a commercial song, it’s super well-known! With unfamiliar tracks you have to start by learning the song, but most people already know this one.
The tempo is fast, so even the repeated moves might feel a bit tricky—but do your best to make it to the end without any mistakes!
Problem Girlkyarī pamyu pamyu
This is a song released in 2015 as the theme for the TV drama “Mondai no Aru Restaurant.” It’s a track where you can see Kyary’s mature coolness.
In the video, it’s performed by two people, and there’s a part where they clap each other’s palms.
Practicing to synchronize your timing is also quite fun.
Dark HorseKaty Perry ft. Juicy J
It’s a 2013 song by Katy Perry.
The music video is memorable for its flashy, ancient Egypt-inspired set.
In the video, they play at a very up-tempo pace, drumming as if flicking a cup.
They also tap the table while holding the cup, arranging the cup song technique in their own way.
In conclusion
That gentle tapping sound of the cups is kind of addictive when you listen to it, isn’t it? One great thing about cups is how easy they are to set up.
That’s why I recommend it as a fun activity for parents and kids! I think this article also included a few nursery rhymes.
It could be fun to look for songs that would go well with cups on your own, too.