Why do the Cup Song (the acapella version of "When I'm Gone," performed by Anna Kendrick in "Pitch Perfect") without a cup? Maybe you're stuck on a long car trip and want to pass the time. Instead of the usual rounds of "Row, Row Your Boat," try mastering the Cup Song --without the cup! Or impress your friends in the school yard by performing the song while standing, stomping and slapping your feet.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Right-Handed

  1. You're not going to nail it the first time around. If you already know how to do the cup song, just imagine that instead of tapping or moving the cup, you are patting your hands on your lap or on a table.
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    • First pat your right thigh with your right hand.
    • Then pat your left thigh with your left hand.
    • Pat your right thigh with your right hand again.
  3. Use your left hand only.
  4. Leave it there.
  5. Your arms should be crossed.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Left-Handed

    • First pat your left thigh with your left hand.
    • Then pat your right thigh with your right hand.
    • Pat your left thigh with your left hand again.
  1. Use your right hand only.
  2. Leave it there.
  3. Your arms should be crossed.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Using your Feet Instead of a Cup (Right-Handed)

    • First pat your right thigh with your right hand.
    • Then pat your left thigh with your left hand.
    • Pat your right thigh with your right hand again.
  1. Bend your knee and lift your right foot up behind you so, crossing your left hand back so you can hit the side of your foot.
  2. Make the same movement of lifting your left foot behind you and slap it with your hand.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Using your Feet Instead of a Cup (Left-Handed)

    • First pat your left thigh with your left hand.
    • Then pat your right thigh with your right hand.
    • Pat your left thigh with your left hand again.
  1. Bend your knee and lift your left foot up behind you so, crossing your right hand back so you can hit the side of your foot.
  2. Make the same movement of lifting your right foot behind you and slap it with your left hand.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    My friends all know how to do the cup song and I tried it your way countless times, but it sounded so different. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Try watching how Anna Kendrick does it and watch some YouTube tutorials. Start slow then gradually speed it up.
  • Question
    How do I do it without feet?
    Community Answer
    You do not need feet to perform the Cup Song (from Pitch Perfect).
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