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 is 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 'Til I'm gazin' on those island pearls 40 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 26 miles across the sea