Introduction:
Red Solo Cup, a surprise country music smash hit, was released in 2011 by American singer-songwriter Toby Keith. The song quickly transcended genre lines, becoming a cultural phenomenon and a party anthem. While not originally intended to be a single, “Red Solo Cup” rose to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Keith, known for his patriotic anthems and outlaw country persona, took a humorous turn with “Red Solo Cup”. The song itself is a lighthearted ode to the iconic red plastic cup, a ubiquitous presence at parties, tailgates, and gatherings across the United States. The lyrics speak to the cup’s versatility, celebrating its ability to hold any beverage, from fancy cocktails to simple beers. The song’s spoken-word verses and simple chorus resonated with audiences, quickly becoming a singalong favorite.
“Red Solo Cup” was not written by Keith himself, but by a team of songwriters including Brett Warren, Brad Warren, Brett Beavers, and Jim Beavers. Keith did serve as the song’s producer, a role he often took on for his albums. The song’s success helped propel Keith’s album Clancy’s Tavern, which it was featured on, to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
The impact of “Red Solo Cup” extended far beyond the music charts. The song’s catchy chorus and celebration of everyday life resonated with a wide audience. It became a staple at parties and sporting events, solidifying its place in American pop culture. The red Solo cup itself took on new meaning, becoming a symbol of good times and shared experiences.
Even after its release, “Red Solo Cup” continued to gain popularity. Keith himself has spoken with surprise about the song’s success, calling it “the stupidest song I ever heard in my life” in a 2014 interview [AP News]. However, he also acknowledged the song’s undeniable appeal, attributing it to its simple message and relatable subject matter. “Red Solo Cup” remains a party favorite, a testament to the power of a catchy tune and a well-placed red plastic cup.
Video:
Lyrics:
Two, a-one, two, threeNow, red Solo cup is the best receptacleFor barbecues, tailgates, fairs, and festivals And you, sir, do not have a pair of testicles If you prefer drinkin’ from glassHey, red Solo cup is cheap and disposableIn 14 years, they are decomposable And unlike my home, they are not foreclosable Freddy Mac can kiss my ass, whoo!Red Solo cup (uh-huh)I fill you up Let’s have a party Let’s have a party I love you, red Solo cup I lift you up Proceed to party Proceed to partyNow, I really love how you’re easy to stackBut I really hate how you’re easy to crack ‘Cause when beer runs down in front of my back Well, that, my friends, is quite yucky (here we go now)But I have to admit that the ladies get smittenAdmirin’ at how sharply my first name is written On you with a Sharpie when I get to hittin’ On them to help me get luckyRed Solo cupI fill you up Let’s have a party Let’s have a party I love you, red Solo cup (what?) I lift you up Proceed to party (party) Proceed to party (proceed to party)Now, I’ve seen you in blue and I’ve seen you in yellowBut only you, red, will do for this fellow ‘Cause you are the Abbot to my Costello And you are the Fruit to my Loom (here we go now)Red Solo cup, you’re more than just plasticYou’re more than amazing, you’re more than fantastic And believe me that I’m not the least bit sarcastic When I look at you and sayRed Solo cup, you’re not just a cup(No! No! No! God, no!) You’re my, you’re my friend (friend, friend) yeah (life-long) Thank you for being my friendRed Solo cup (that’s what I’m talking about)I fill you up Let’s have a party (let’s have a party) Let’s have a party (let’s have a party) I love you, red Solo cup I lift you up Proceed to party Proceed to partyRed Solo cupRed Solo (I fill you up) (Let’s have a party) let’s have a party (Let’s have a party) let’s have a party Red Solo cup (oh, red Solo cup) I lift you up Let’s have a party Proceed to party (yeah, yeah)ba-oh-do(Solo cup) oh-bo-do (Solo cup) ba-oh-do (Solo cup) ah-ooh-doodle-da-do (Solo cup) uh-huh (what?) (Solo cup) de-da-pa (Solo cup) du-de-da-pa