About the song
Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup” stands out as a refreshing departure from the artist’s traditional catalog of patriotic anthems and honky-tonk storytelling. Released in 2011 on his album Clancy’s Tavern, this track is, at its core, a cheeky celebration of one of America’s most ubiquitous party accessories: the red plastic cup. While it seems almost absurd in its simplicity, “Red Solo Cup” possesses a sly wit and an undeniable charm that makes it more than just a novelty song. It’s a tongue-in-cheek toast to the carefree camaraderie of backyard barbecues, tailgates, and college keggers — events where the humble red cup acts as a quiet, unifying presence.
The song unfolds with a playful swagger and an exaggerated sense of self-awareness, embracing its role as an anthem for good times without pretension. Keith, known for his everyman persona, delivers the lyrics with a casual drawl, embracing the comedic elements of the song while still honoring the tongue-tied poetry of party culture. With lines like, “I love you, red Solo cup, I lift you up, proceed to party!” the track revels in its own simplicity. It pokes fun at the clichés of modern country music while cleverly inserting itself into that very tradition.
But beneath the humor, “Red Solo Cup” is a nod to the communal spirit of American gatherings. There’s something remarkably unpretentious and democratic about the red cup itself — it’s the great equalizer, present at both low-brow beer pong tournaments and sophisticated summer soirees. In this way, Toby Keith has crafted more than a silly drinking song; he’s created a light-hearted cultural touchstone that, for all its irreverence, somehow feels oddly timeless. Whether you raise a glass to laugh at the absurdity or toast to the memories, “Red Solo Cup” ensures the party — and the tradition — rolls on.
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
