How To Play Chandelier Drinking Game: Genius Guide

How to Play the Chandelier Drinking Game: A Genius Guide

Ready to spice up your next gathering? The Chandelier drinking game is a super fun and easy way to get everyone involved. It’s all about listening to a specific song and taking sips of your drink at key moments. We’ll walk you through exactly how to set it up and play, making sure everyone has a blast. Get ready for some laughs and good times!

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What is the Chandelier Drinking Game?

The Chandelier drinking game is a popular party game that uses Sia’s hit song “Chandelier” as its soundtrack. The core idea is simple: players drink whenever specific lyrics or events occur in the song. It’s a fantastic icebreaker and a guaranteed way to inject energy and laughter into any social event, from casual get-togethers with friends to larger parties.

Unlike some drinking games that require complex setups or a lot of explanation, the Chandelier game is incredibly straightforward. This makes it perfect for beginners and seasoned party-goers alike. You don’t need any special equipment, just the song, your drinks, and a willing group of friends.

The beauty of this game lies in its simplicity and the infectious nature of the song itself. As the song builds, so does the fun, creating memorable moments and shared experiences. We’ll guide you through every step, from preparing your drinks to mastering the drinking cues, ensuring you can host or join in with complete confidence.

Why Play the Chandelier Drinking Game?

There are plenty of reasons why this game has become a party favorite. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to learn. You don’t need to memorize complicated rules or strategies. Just listen and drink!

Secondly, it’s a fantastic way to break the ice and get people talking and laughing. The shared experience of singing along (or trying to!) and drinking at the same moments creates a sense of camaraderie.

Thirdly, it’s adaptable. You can easily adjust the rules to suit your group’s preferences, whether that means making the drinking cues more or less frequent, or even changing the type of drink involved. This flexibility ensures everyone can enjoy the game.

Finally, it’s all about having fun and creating memories. The energy of the song and the shared activity make for a lively and entertaining atmosphere. It’s a great way to make your next party unforgettable.

How to Play: The Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with the Chandelier drinking game is simple. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know to set up and play like a pro.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you can start the fun, you’ll need a few things:

The Song: Make sure you have Sia’s “Chandelier” ready to play. A good quality speaker will enhance the experience.
Drinks: Each player will need their own drink. This can be anything from beer and wine to cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages. The key is that everyone has something to sip on.
Players: Gather your friends! The more, the merrier, but the game works well with small groups too.

A Designated Player (Optional but Recommended): One person can be in charge of pausing and playing the song to ensure the drinking cues are followed precisely. This person can also be the “rule keeper.”

Step 2: Understand the Drinking Rules

This is where the magic happens! The rules are tied to specific lyrics and moments in the song. While there can be variations, here’s a common and effective set of rules:

The “Chandelier” Rules:

“One, two, three, drinks on me!”: Every time you hear this line, take a sip of your drink.

“Gonna get a little drunk tonight”: Take a sip.
“I’m gonna get, I’m gonna get, I’m gonna get so drunk tonight”: Take a sip.
“Gonna find the one, I’m gonna have me some fun”: Take a sip.
“Tonight, I’m gonna party like it’s 1999”: Take a sip.

“And I’m gonna get, I’m gonna get, I’m gonna get so drunk tonight”: Take a sip.
“Chandelier!” (The powerful vocal runs and the word itself): Take a significant gulp or two! This is a key moment, so make it count.
The High Notes/Vocal Runs: Sia’s incredible vocalizations are a hallmark of the song. Whenever she hits those soaring high notes or performs those distinctive vocal runs, take a sip.

“But I’m holding on for dear life”: Take a sip.
“I’m gonna swing from the chandelier”: Take a sip.
“I’m gonna live like tomorrow doesn’t exist”: Take a sip.

Optional Rules to Add More Fun:

“Falling down”: If someone actually falls down (safely, of course!), everyone else takes a drink.

“Dance Break”: Whenever the music feels particularly energetic or catchy, call for a mini dance break where everyone takes a sip.
“Sing It Loud”: If anyone misses singing a lyric they’re supposed to drink on, they have to take an extra sip.

Step 3: Start the Music and Play!

Once everyone has their drinks and understands the rules, it’s time to begin. The designated player (or whoever is in charge of the music) starts the song “Chandelier” by Sia. Everyone listens intently to the lyrics and the music.

As soon as a trigger lyric or musical cue is heard, everyone who is playing takes the designated sip. The game continues throughout the entire song. Remember, the goal is to have fun and enjoy the music and company, not to get excessively intoxicated. Pace yourselves!

Step 4: Manage Your Pace

This song can get intense, and the drinking cues can come quickly. It’s crucial to drink responsibly. If you feel like you’re drinking too much, it’s perfectly okay to take smaller sips or even just pretend to drink on some cues. The most important thing is that everyone stays safe and has a good time.

Consider having water available for players, and encourage breaks if needed. The game should enhance the party, not ruin it.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of the Chandelier drinking game is its flexibility. You can easily tweak the rules to fit your group’s preferences and the vibe of your party. Here are some ideas for variations:

Customizing the Drink Triggers

Not every lyric in “Chandelier” needs to be a drinking cue. You can simplify or complicate the game by choosing specific lines or musical moments.

The “Chorus Only” Rule: Only drink during the main chorus of the song. This makes the game much less intense.
The “Key Phrase” Rule: Pick just one or two key phrases, like “Chandelier!” or “get so drunk tonight,” and only drink on those.
The “Vocal Run” Focus: Only drink during Sia’s most impressive vocal runs. This tests your listening skills!

The “Every Other Line” Rule: Alternate between taking a sip and not taking a sip for consecutive drinking cues.

Drink Responsibly Options

If you want to make the game less about heavy drinking, consider these options:

Sip, Don’t Gulp: Emphasize taking small sips rather than large gulps.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages: The game works just as well with soda, juice, or water. Players can still participate in the fun without alcohol.
“Water Break” Cues: Designate certain parts of the song where everyone drinks water.

“Truth or Dare” Instead of Drinks: Instead of drinking, players can opt to answer a truth question or perform a dare.

Adding Other Song Elements

You can also incorporate other elements to make the game more interactive:

“Air Guitar” Moment: When the music hits a powerful instrumental part, everyone has to do an air guitar solo. Those who don’t participate take a drink.

“Lyric Master” Challenge: Challenge one person to sing a specific lyric perfectly. If they mess up, they drink.
“Emoji Guessing” Game: Before playing the song, have players write down an emoji that represents a part of the song. If someone guesses the correct emoji for a certain section, others drink.

Tips for a Successful Chandelier Game Night

To ensure your Chandelier drinking game night is a hit, keep these tips in mind:

Set the Mood: Dim lighting, comfortable seating, and good company are key.
Have Snacks Ready: Drinking games can make you hungry! Offer a variety of snacks to keep your guests fueled.
Play the Right Version: Make sure you have the full studio version of Sia’s “Chandelier” so all the cues are present.

Communicate the Rules Clearly: Before starting, go over the rules with everyone to avoid confusion. A quick demonstration can be helpful.
Designate a “DJ/Rule Keeper”: Having one person in charge of the music and pausing/playing can help maintain the flow and ensure rules are followed consistently.
Emphasize Safety First: Remind everyone to drink responsibly. Provide non-alcoholic options and ensure everyone has a safe way to get home. Resources like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism offer valuable information on responsible drinking.

Don’t Be Afraid to Pause: If the game gets too fast or someone needs a break, it’s perfectly fine to pause the music.
Encourage Participation: Make sure everyone feels comfortable joining in. If someone is hesitant, offer them a simpler role or a non-alcoholic drink.

The “Chandelier” Song: A Closer Look

Sia’s “Chandelier” was released in 2014 and quickly became a global phenomenon. The song is known for its powerful vocals, emotional lyrics, and catchy yet melancholic melody. It tells a story of addiction and escapism, with the “chandelier” serving as a metaphor for a place of both revelry and potential danger.

The song’s structure, with its distinct verses, pre-choruses, choruses, and bridge, lends itself perfectly to a drinking game. The build-up in the music often corresponds with increasing intensity in the lyrics, making it natural to associate certain moments with taking a drink. The iconic, soaring vocalizations in the chorus are particularly memorable and often become the most anticipated drinking cues.

Understanding the context of the song can add another layer to the game, but it’s not necessary to enjoy the fun. The primary focus is on the rhythm, the lyrics, and the shared experience of playing together.

Chandelier Drinking Game Rules Comparison Table

Here’s a quick comparison of common rule sets to help you choose the best fit for your party:

Rule Type	Description	Intensity Level	Best For
Standard Rules	Drink on most lyrical cues (“drinks on me,” “get so drunk tonight,” etc.) and vocal runs.	High	Parties where guests are looking for a lively and challenging game.
Chorus Only	Drink only during the main chorus sections.	Medium	Groups that want a more relaxed pace or are new to drinking games.
Key Phrases	Drink only on specific, repeated phrases like “Chandelier!” or “so drunk tonight.”	Low to Medium	When you want to focus on specific moments in the song and reduce the frequency of drinking.
Vocal Run Focus	Drink exclusively on Sia’s high notes and vocal runs.	Medium	Audiences who appreciate Sia’s vocal performance and want a game that highlights it.
Custom Mix	A combination of lyrical cues and musical moments chosen by the host.	Variable	When you want to tailor the game exactly to your group’s preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the Chandelier drinking game safe?

A1: Like any drinking game, safety depends on responsible participation. Always drink in moderation, have non-alcoholic options available, and ensure everyone has a safe way to get home. Know your limits and don’t feel pressured to drink more than you’re comfortable with.

Q2: How many people can play?

A2: The Chandelier drinking game can be played with as few as two people or with a large group. The more people, the more lively the atmosphere, but it’s enjoyable in any size group.

Q3: Can I play with non-alcoholic drinks?

A3: Absolutely! The game is about the shared experience and fun. You can easily play with soda, juice, water, or any other beverage. This makes it inclusive for everyone.

Q4: What if I don’t know the lyrics?

A4: Don’t worry! You can easily find the lyrics to Sia’s “Chandelier” online. Many people play with the lyrics displayed on a screen or have someone read them out to help everyone follow along.

Q5: How long does the game last?

A5: The game lasts for the duration of the song, which is approximately 3 minutes and 36 seconds. You can choose to play the song multiple times if your group is enjoying it.

Q6: Can I change the drinking rules?

A6: Yes, the rules are very flexible! Feel free to adjust them based on your group’s preferences. You can add or remove drinking cues, change the amount you drink, or even swap drinking for other actions like dares.

Q7: Where can I find the song “Chandelier”?

A7: Sia’s “Chandelier” is widely available on all major music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music. You can also purchase it from digital music stores.

Conclusion

The Chandelier drinking game offers a unique and engaging way to liven up any social gathering. Its straightforward rules, based on the iconic song by Sia, make it accessible for everyone, regardless of their experience with drinking games. By following this guide, you’re well-equipped to host a fun, memorable, and responsible game night.

Remember to customize the rules to suit your guests, prioritize safety, and most importantly, have a fantastic time singing along and enjoying the music with your friends. Whether you opt for the intense full-song experience or a more relaxed version, the Chandelier drinking game is sure to be a hit. So, gather your crew, press play, and get ready for a night of laughter and good cheer!