Classic songs for musical chairs. A carefully curated selection of easy-to-walk-to, crowd-pleasing tracks.
Musical Chairs—haven’t you all played it at least once?In this article, we’ll introduce songs that are perfect to play during a game of musical chairs.When you play, you may wonder what kind of music makes it easy to walk and gets everyone excited.So we’ve picked a wide range of recommendations—from classics like “Oklahoma Mixer” and “Mayim Mayim,” to popular children’s songs, dance tracks, and J-pop that everyone knows.If you’re looking for tracks to use for recreational activities, be sure to check these out.
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Classic songs for musical chairs: a carefully curated selection of easy-to-walk, crowd-pleasing tracks (11–20)
YES or YESNEW!Twice
This is a hit number by TWICE released in November 2018.
As the title track of their sixth mini-album, “YES or YES,” it became a hot topic and won numerous first-place trophies on music shows at the time.
Its slightly bold yet cute lyrics, which offer only two choices for a confession’s reply—“YES” or “YES”—are especially charming.
The track features a popping beat and dazzling synths that will get your body moving naturally just by listening.
With its catchy chorus, the song’s brisk rhythm is a perfect match for musical chairs! Its steady tempo makes it easy to walk to, making it an ideal pick for recreation time when everyone wants to have fun together.
With its bright, energizing vibe, it’s sure to be enjoyed by a wide range of ages, from children to adults.
idolNEW!YOASOBI
This piece by YOASOBI took the world by storm.
It’s a track whose lyrics—depicting the lies and love behind a perfect smile, and the pride of being an idol—resonate deeply.
Released in April 2023, it became a social phenomenon as the theme song for the anime Oshi no Ko.
Its achievements are unquestionable, including reaching No.
1 on Billboard’s Global Excl.
U.S.
chart.
The rapid, ever-changing development of the song is thrilling, yet its powerful beat makes it easy to walk to—perfect as BGM for a game of musical chairs.
When that chorus everyone knows kicks in, it’s sure to send participants’ excitement through the roof!
I Stepped on the CatNEW!
As a fun way to play using the black keys on the piano, it’s something almost everyone has tried at least once, isn’t it? This piece is characterized by its unique lyrics about accidentally stepping on a cat’s tail and its light, catchy melody! It’s loved around the world under various names.
If you play it during a game of musical chairs, its comical tone is sure to ease the tension while still boosting the excitement! Kids will love it, of course, and adults can enjoy a wave of nostalgia too—be sure to include this classic in your recreation time.
GeGeGe no KitaroNEW!Hikawa Kiyoshi
This song, GeGeGe no Kitaro, has long been beloved as the opening theme of the nationally cherished anime GeGeGe no Kitaro.
In the sixth series, which aired from April 2018, the “prince of enka,” Kiyoshi Hikawa, took on vocal duties.
Arranged by Kohei Tanaka, the piece—paired with Hikawa’s clear, soaring voice—achieves a wonderfully bewitching finish.
Released as a single CD in October 2018, could there be a track more perfect as BGM for a game of musical chairs? Its melody, which anyone can hum along to, is sure to be enjoyed across generations.
With a comfortable walking tempo, it will undoubtedly make recreation time even more exciting!
Oklahoma Mixeramerika min’yō
The folk dance song many people have danced to at elementary and junior high school sports days is “Oklahoma Mixer.” Many might remember feeling quite embarrassed dancing it with a partner of the opposite sex.
It’s said to have started in 1946 when Winfield Niblo, an education officer with the Nagasaki Military Government, performed it himself during a dinner with Nagasaki prefectural officials.
The version of “Oklahoma Mixer” most people in Japan recognize today apparently includes Japan-specific arrangements.
Its catchy, unforgettable rhythm also makes it a great choice for musical chairs.
Ten thousand feet in the AlpsNEW!amerika min’yō
This march, beloved as a hand-play song, originates from the American folk tune “Yankee Doodle.” In Japan, lyrics set against mountain scenery such as Mount Yari were added, and it has long been cherished as a camp song.
Its rhythm matches a walking tempo perfectly, making it an unbeatable choice to liven up a game of musical chairs.
After it aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in August 1962, it became widely established across generations.
Uniquely, it has been passed down in many parody versions—some say there are as many as 29 verses.
Since it’s a melody everyone knows, playing it at recreational gatherings is sure to put a spring in everyone’s step—highly recommended.
Mayim MayimIsuraeru min’yō
Many people have practiced for school sports day by listening to this song every day, right? However, some might not know that “Mayim Mayim” is an Israeli folk song.
After World War II, folk dancing began to spread in Japan through GHQ and American organizations such as the YMCA and YWCA, and it’s said that “Mayim Mayim” became popular in Japan around that time.
Its distinctly Middle Eastern rhythm and melody are addictive and keep looping in your head.
It’s not only great for dancing but also a perfect classic for musical chairs!
strollInoue Azumi
Sampo,” with its parade-like melody, encourages an easy walking pace for musical chairs.
The song is sung by Azumi Inoue and is famous as the opening theme of the 1988 film “My Neighbor Totoro.” Even people who haven’t watched many Ghibli films probably know this tune.
Its powerful performance and the energetic “Okay, let’s go!” make it a great pick to play during musical chairs, especially when little kids are joining in.
Just be careful not to get so absorbed in the music that you forget to sit when it stops!
U.S.A.DA PUMP
“U.S.A.” is the hit song that drew renewed attention to DA PUMP after they restarted with a new lineup formed by members from Okinawa Prefecture.
It actually has an original version—the song was originally a single by Italian singer Joe Yellow.
It’s a dance number that incorporates Eurobeat, and the “Ii ne” dance and “Invader” dance that appear in the song became a social phenomenon! It’s a track that naturally gets both adults and kids moving and excited, so it’s also a great recommendation for background music for musical chairs.
Mickey Mouse MarchDizunī
The Disney song everyone knows, “Mickey Mouse March.” I’m sure people all over the world loved Mickey Mouse when they were kids.
That’s because this song was first used as the opening theme for the children’s TV program “The Mickey Mouse Club,” which aired on America’s ABC from 1955 to 1960.
Since then, it’s become Mickey Mouse’s theme song.
Above all, the march tempo of this tune lifts your spirits.
I bet even little kids playing musical chairs for the first time will stop crying and start happily walking and playing as soon as this song starts playing!