Toby Keith – Red Solo Cup

Introduction:

In the world of country music, certain symbols resonate deeply with fans. From dusty pickup trucks to sprawling landscapes, these images evoke a sense of Americana that forms the bedrock of the genre. But in 2011, a far less glamorous icon took the country music scene by storm: the red Solo cup.

American country singer-songwriter Toby Keith released “Red Solo Cup” on October 10, 2011, as the second single from his album Clancy’s Tavern. The song, written by Brett Warren, Brad Warren, Brett Beavers, and Jim Beavers, was a surprising departure from Keith’s usual focus on patriotism and working-class themes. “Red Solo Cup” instead offered a lighthearted ode to the ubiquitous red plastic cup, a staple at parties, tailgates, and casual gatherings across the United States.

Despite its seemingly trivial subject matter, “Red Solo Cup” struck a chord with audiences. The song’s spoken-word verses and upbeat, repetitive chorus created a catchy sing-along anthem. The lyrics humorously celebrate the red Solo cup’s versatility, from holding beer and lemonade to surviving countless drops without breaking. The song’s simplicity resonated with listeners, capturing the carefree spirit of summertime gatherings and casual celebrations.

“Red Solo Cup” wasn’t written by Toby Keith himself, and the singer initially expressed reservations about releasing it. In a 2014 interview, he called it “the stupidest song I ever heard in my life,” but admitted its undeniable appeal, stating, “it’s so stupid it’s good.” His reservations proved unfounded. The song became a runaway hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It also achieved crossover success, reaching number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a testament to its broad appeal.

The success of “Red Solo Cup” transcended the music charts. The song became a cultural phenomenon, embraced by fans and even acknowledged by the Solo Cup Company itself. The company saw a significant sales boost following the song’s release, solidifying the red Solo cup’s status as a pop culture icon.

“Red Solo Cup” stands as a testament to the power of unexpected hits. A song about a humble red plastic cup became a massive success, proving that sometimes, the most relatable anthems come from the most unlikely sources.

Video:

Lyrics:

Two, a-one, two, three

Now, red Solo cup is the best receptacle
For barbecues, tailgates, fairs, and festivals
And you, sir, do not have a pair of testicles
If you prefer drinkin’ from glass

Hey, red Solo cup is cheap and disposable
In 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 party

Now, I really love how you’re easy to stack
But 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 smitten
Admirin’ at how sharply my first name is written
On you with a Sharpie when I get to hittin’
On them to help me get lucky

Red Solo cup
I 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 yellow
But 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 plastic
You’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 say

Red 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 friend

Red 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 party

Red Solo cup
Red 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