In 2013, Anna Kendricks gained a measure of musical fame after performing ‘Cups’ on the film Pitch Perfect. The song has since been redone over and over by people throughout the world and posted to YouTube.

I really like the song. And I particularly like the rendition above that was done by HOF Members (I’m going to openly admit that I have no idea who HOF is. The description of the video tells me that it was done by this group and I haven’t been able to figure out who they are. I’m assuming some sort of college club.)

While listening to it, I realized that the song doesn’t follow patterns of modern music. Most songs today try to tell you a story. They are rarely this simple lyrically. It’s one of those songs that gets into your head and becomes a part of your day. It says what it wants to say, then steps out to let the listener fill in the rest of the story.

So it got me thinking: Did Anna Kendricks cover an older song? The answer shocked me.

‘Cups’ is a cover of a song originally released no later than 1930! Some of my research tells me that it was in 1925 or 1928, but that seems like that might be a different song, ‘Will You Miss Me When I’m Gone’, which poses the question, rather than makes the statement.

In any case, I found it (the internet is an amazing thing!).

This song was originally recorded by the The Carter Family, a husband, his wife, and the first cousin of the wife (who was also the husband’s sister-in-law). It was originally recorded as ‘When I’m Gone.’

The Carter Family came from Virginia and were the first American vocal group to became country music stars. They were hugely popular at the time, and influenced music for decades to come (and, obviously, to this day), including the folk revival of the 1960s, which included The Kingston Trio and Peter, Paul & Mary.

This was a great find! I’m so glad I followed my instincts on this. I hope you enjoy both.