Toby Keith – Red Solo Cup

About the song

If there’s one song that proves country music can be just as hilarious and carefree as it is heartfelt and deep, it’s Toby Keith’s wildly fun and slightly ridiculous anthem, “Red Solo Cup.” Released in 2011, this track quickly became a party staple and a cultural phenomenon—not because of deep lyrics or poetic storytelling, but because of its unapologetic celebration of a simple plastic cup. Yes, you read that right.

At its core, “Red Solo Cup” is an ode to the iconic red disposable cup found at just about every American backyard barbecue, college party, and tailgate. What makes the song so entertaining is its ability to take something completely ordinary and elevate it to near-legendary status. Toby Keith leans all the way into the humor, delivering the lyrics with a wink and a grin, while the melody bounces along like a good-time invitation you can’t ignore.

The beauty of this song lies in its tongue-in-cheek simplicity. It doesn’t try to be serious, and that’s exactly why people love it. Lines like “you’re not just a cup (no, no, no)” and “I fill you up—let’s have a party!” are goofy, memorable, and somehow kind of brilliant in their own way. Keith’s playful vocal delivery and the catchy, chant-like chorus make it easy to sing along with, even after just one listen.

But more than just a joke, “Red Solo Cup” taps into a universal experience. That red cup is more than plastic—it’s nostalgia. It’s memories of laughter with friends, bonfires, music under the stars, and nights you’ll never forget (or barely remember). In a genre known for celebrating everyday life, this song hits the nail on the head—albeit with a big, goofy smile.

So while it may never win a Grammy for lyrical depth, “Red Solo Cup” has earned its place as a modern-day drinking anthem—and one that reminds us not to take life too seriously. Sometimes, a red cup really is all you need.

Video

Lyrics

One, two, a one, two, three

[Verse 1]
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 drinking 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!

[Chorus]
Red Solo cup
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

[Verse 2]
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 the front of my back
Well, that, my friends, is quite yucky
But I have to admit that the ladies get smitten
Admiring 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
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[Chorus]
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
Proceed to party (Proceed to party)

[Verse 3]
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 Abbott 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

[Bridge]
Red Solo cup, you’re not just a cup
(No! No! No! God, no! )
You’re my-you’re my (Friend?) friend
(Friend, friend, friend, life-long)
Thank you for being my friend

[Chorus]
Red Solo cup
(That’s what I am 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

[Outro]
(Solo cup, solo cup, solo cup)
(Solo cup, solo cup, solo cup)
(Solo cup, solo cup)