26 miles across the sea
Santa Catalina is a-waitin' for me
Santa Catalina, the island of romance
Romance, romance, romance

Water all around it everywhere
Tropical trees and the salty air
But for me the thing that's a-waitin' there
Romance

It seems so distant, 26 miles away
Restin' in the water serene
I'd work for anyone, even the Navy
Who would float me to my island dream

26 miles, so near yet far
I'd swim with just some water-wings and my guitar
I could leave the wings but I'll need the guitar
For romance, romance, romance, romance

26 miles across the sea
Santa Catalina is a-waitin' for me
Santa Catalina, the island of romance

A tropical heaven out in the ocean
Covered with trees and girls
If I have to swim, I'll do it forever
Till I'm gazin' on those island pearls

Forty kilometers in a leaky old boat
Any old thing that'll stay afloat
When we arrive we'll all promote romance
Romance, romance, romance

26 miles across the sea
Santa Catalina is a-waitin' for me
Santa Catalina, the island of romance
Romance, romance, romance

26 miles across the sea
Santa Catalina is a-waitin' for me
Santa Catalina, the island of romance