About the song
At first glance, a red plastic cup might not seem like something worthy of a song—or a legacy. But when Toby Keith released his now-iconic anthem “Red Solo Cup” in 2011, he transformed a simple party staple into a full-blown pop culture phenomenon. What began as a humorous, tongue-in-cheek track quickly became one of the most unexpected hits of Keith’s career. And oddly enough, it helped cement his place in country music history—not with a heartfelt ballad or a patriotic anthem, but with a song about disposable drinkware.
The Red Solo Cup had long been a symbol of American casual gatherings—barbecues, tailgate parties, college get-togethers. But Keith gave it a voice, a personality, even a kind of charm. The song’s playful lyrics and catchy chorus—“I love you, Red Solo Cup”—struck a nerve with fans across generations. It didn’t just top charts; it became a cultural touchstone, with millions of YouTube views, parodies, and even a mention on Glee. Suddenly, a plastic cup stood as a symbol of carefree fun and shared memories.
What’s truly surprising is how a novelty song like this could highlight the unique power of Toby Keith’s legacy. Known for his tough, patriotic image and barroom bravado, Keith showed a different side with “Red Solo Cup”—his humor, his self-awareness, and his ability to connect with everyday moments. In doing so, he expanded the boundaries of what country music could embrace.
Years later, the song still echoes at parties and barbecues, reminding us that music doesn’t always need to be serious to leave a lasting impression. Sometimes, all it takes is a red plastic cup, a sense of humor, and a singer who knows how to tell a story that everyone can raise a glass to.
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