No Related Genres

No Artists Found

No Albums Found

More Albums Load All

No Tracks Found

0126 Miles (Santa Catalina)The Four Preps

The Four Preps

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

26 Miles
The Four Preps Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Twenty-six miles across the sea
Santa Catalina is a-waitin' for me,
Santa Catalina, the island of romance,
romance, romance, romance.
Water all around it ev'rywhere,
tropical trees and the salty air,
but for me the thing that's a-waitin' there's romance.

It seems so distant, twenty-six miles away, restin' in the water serene.
I'd work for anyone, even the Navy, who would float me to my island dream.
Twenty-six miles, so near, yet far.
I'd swim with just some water wings and my guitar.
I can leave the wings but I'll need the guitar
for romance, romance, romance, romance.

Twenty-six miles across the sea
Santa Catalina is a-waitin' for me,
Santa Catalina, the island of romance,
romance, romance, romance.
Water all around it ev'rywhere,
tropical trees and the salty air,
but for me the thing that's a-waitin' there's romance.

A tropical heaven out in the ocean covered with trees and girls.
If I have to swim I'd 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

Overall Meaning

The Four Preps's song "26 Miles" showcases a desire for a distant paradise, Santa Catalina, where the island's reputation as a haven for romantic possibility is the draw. The lyrics reveal a hopefulness and willingness to do any work to reach the destination, whether that be swimming or being floated by the Navy. Despite the long journey and distance, the singer is intent on arriving with his guitar and water wings, anticipating that Santa Catalina will deliver the promise of romance he's heard so much about. The lyrics suggest that Santa Catalina is more than just a physical location but carries an aura of possibilities and dreams.

The song's imagery of "tropical trees and salty air" and "island pearls" all contribute to the romanticized image of Santa Catalina. The repetition of the word "romance" emphasizes its importance to the song's meaning and contributes to the island's mythical quality. The singer's willingness to risk physical challenge, such as swimming for 26 miles or taking a leaky boat, reveals the strong pull that Santa Catalina has over him.

Line by Line Meaning

Twenty-six miles across the sea
The distance that separates the singer from Santa Catalina, an island that is waiting for him.

Santa Catalina is a-waitin' for me
Santa Catalina is the singer's dream destination, full of possibilities and adventure.

Santa Catalina, the island of romance, romance, romance, romance.
The island is a popular destination for couples in love, and the singer is hoping to find his own romantic adventure there.

Water all around it ev'rywhere, tropical trees and the salty air, but for me the thing that's a-waitin' there's romance.
The island's natural beauty is all around, but for the singer, the most important thing is finding a new romantic relationship.

It seems so distant, twenty-six miles away, restin' in the water serene.
The singer feels like the island is very far away, but it's just across the sea, calmly waiting for him.

I'd work for anyone, even the Navy, who would float me to my island dream.
The singer is so determined to reach Santa Catalina that he's even willing to work for the Navy if they can help him get there.

Twenty-six miles, so near, yet far.
Although the journey is only 26 miles, it seems like a long distance to cover for the singer.

I'd swim with just some water wings and my guitar.
The singer is so passionate about reaching Santa Catalina that he's willing to swim there with just his guitar and some improvised water wings.

I can leave the wings but I'll need the guitar for romance, romance, romance, romance.
The singer's guitar is essential for him to find romance on the island, and he's willing to leave the water wings behind if he has to.

A tropical heaven out in the ocean covered with trees and girls.
The island is described as a paradise surrounded by clear blue water, palm trees, and beautiful women.

If I have to swim I'd do it forever till I'm gazin' on those island pearls.
The singer is so determined to reach Santa Catalina that he's willing to swim there for as long as it takes to see the island's natural beauty.

Forty kilometers in a leaky old boat, any old thing that'll stay afloat.
The singer is willing to take any boat, even one that is not in good condition, to reach Santa Catalina.

When we arrive we'll all promote romance, romance, romance.
Once the singer and his companions arrive on the island, they plan to sell the idea of romance to other visitors, hoping to spread the island's reputation as a haven for love and passion.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRUCE G BELLAND, GLEN LARSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comment from YouTube:

sauquoit13456

3y↑7

On this day in 1958 {February 23rd} "26 Miles (Santa Catalina)" by The Four Preps peaked at #2 {for 3 weeks} on Billboard's Most-Played Records On Juke Boxes chart, the three records that kept it out of the top spot were "Sugartime" by the McGuire Sisters, then by Elvis' "Don't", and finally "Catch A Falling Star" by Perry Como...
And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the remainder of Billboard's Top 10 on February 23rd,1958:
At #3. "Don't" by Elvis Presley
#4. "Catch A Falling Star" by Perry Como
#5. "Magic Moments" by Perry Como
#6. "Short Shorts" by The Royal Teens
#7. "Witchcraft" by Frank Sinatra
#8. "Get A Job" by The Silhouettes
#9. "Oh-Oh, I'm Falling Love Again" by Jimmie Rodgers
#10. "You Are My Destiny" by Paul Anka

All comments from YouTube:

Roger Stacey

5y↑103

What a wonderful, magical song this was to me as a teenager,
hanging out at the local bus station , having a milkshake and listening to the juke box, hoping to get a glance at a pretty girl.

Internet Wonder Builder

4y↑5

Music is by its nature magic, and is capable of "enchanting" for good or bad, the listener. This is "good" magic.

James Harasch

2y↑3

@Internet Wonder Builder What a wonderful way to put it! I completely agree

Lawrence Palacios

6y↑60

The opening of bad times at the el Royale was badass, and to have this Great song play within it adds in even more style.

Maxxsas

That's how I discovered it! I quickly paused and shazam'd!

Christine Cokely

6y↑57

I'm 69 yrs old and still remember all the lyrics to this song. Guess it's because I had two older brothers! Still love it!

Mathieu

4y↑3

nice

Truck Talks

69 hahaha

Morgan Glen

Nice

Eric Gonzales

7y↑22

This song really brings me back to my childhood growing up in Avalon, Catalina Island.

jennifur sun

3y↑2

lucky you

Burrito Gamer

6y↑13

man, love this song. it's so catchy and feels like a perfect representation of the era

1579list

3y↑10

THIS. SONG. first put the sound of “harmony” in my head......about 4 years old, I think.
The song takes me back to Mom and Dad’s dining room with the Setchell Carlson radio
up on the big shelf.
....Just listen to those chords....and the blend...of their great voices!

Spencer Petunia

5y↑17

Thank you SO much Bad Times at the El Royale for introducing me to this AMAZING song! :D

Tom M

8y↑23

Awesome song by an incredibly underrated group.

J

2y↑6

Been going to Catalina in various ways since I was 7 years old. That song always accompanied me in my head. THIS time at age 65 I finally made it to the inside of the Casino. Started the day snorkling in the cold water off Catalina Point, watched a Rudolph Valentino silent film in the mid-level theater, and topped the evening off dancing in the beautiful Casino Ballroom in a formal gown. 700 people in a long Conga Line is a blast. First kiss with my beau on the balcony under a full moon. The island of romance in deed! 😊🌞🎶❤

sauquoit13456

3y↑7

Kracker615

9y↑49

I was 10 when this song came out. I get nostalgia so bad it hurts.

iVenge

8y↑1

tell me about it.

nativetexanful

8y↑8

+Kracker615 That's exactly the way I feel whenever I hear a song that was popular in my early childhood. What really makes me nostalgic is when I hear a soap opera theme from the 70s. They're too painful to listen to.I was born in 1964, and I assume you were born in the late 40s since you said you were 10 when this song came out. You don't know how lucky you are to have lived in those days, and have experienced such better times.

R.W. Burke

8y↑3

Good comment!

iamKZ

7y↑1

Kracker615 boi you old

freeguy77

6y↑7

Nativetexanful, But our experiences from the '50s and '60s only make today's environment that more painful to see and go through compared to how much better it was from 1954 (post-Korean War) to Nov. 22, 1963, when the world we knew and loved crashed down on us in the most shocking way imaginable.

10 More Replies...

Robert Telarket

6y↑5

Really great, memorable melody from my youth!

Torino Brougham

8y↑6

Such a great song!

Max Mihn

3y↑3

I was born the year this was released. I must have been christened to it. ...fills my soul.

Taylor T. Carlson

6y↑84

I always put this one on when I'm staying in Room Five at the El Royale.

Tom

3y↑2

Oh man what a way to start a movie.

S SB

3y↑1

Watch your back!

D. Powers

3y↑1

U2?

Bobbi Scharton

2y↑2

Lovely song here. My favorite.🏝🏖🌊

allenrizzi

Great tune - I forgot it was this old.

Lorenzo Lucchesi

48w

A beautiful and happy song.

Gary. Young

39w

One of my fav., summer songs!

Anthony Barber

9y↑11

Santa Catalina is the place for me! Great Song.

freeguy77

6y↑1

California is NOT the place for me now. It used to be, but the radicals have turned it into their socialist "utopian paradise" --NOT!

CC Cook

4y↑4

Those were the good old days!!

What Is Your Worldview? - Creation or Evolutionism?

5y↑7

Makes me nostalgic for a time I wasn't even born in!

Internet Wonder Builder

4y↑2

Such an odd but valid feeling..

Ray Kinserlow

8y↑10

This is the first song I first fell in love with.

LA Petersen

10y↑6

A favorite group of the 1960's, the Four did grand sings at many college campuses. I have one exception to the lyrics. I have been to Catalina a number of time, and so far have failed see hoards of beautiful girls. Romance...well, maybe that is a reason for people to vacation anywhere. Check out other songs by the Four Preps.

Thomas Mangan

+Larry Lobo I have seen hoards of beautiful girls in Avalon.

Dixie Burge

Larry Lobo, I guess the hoards of girls was put in the song for a more appealing effect—for boys, anyway.

Israel, XoX

This is amazing music, I just lesson for the first time @Ivars fish place! ❤️

Internet Wonder Builder

4y↑6

Why is this such a good song??!!

Ren N

5y↑7

They need to use this song for a caprisun commercial or tourism board for Santa catolina

freeguy77

8y↑36

They had to say 'romance' because they couldn't say 'sex' in those pre-pill-and-anything-goes days. R.I.P., Glen Larson. The song hit #2, selling over a million copies, earning them a gold record. It might be the first U.S. song to mention a distance in kilometers ("40 kilometers in a leaky old boat..."). The song was a big influence on both Brian Wilson ("The Beach Boys") and Jimmy Buffett. Neil Peart ("Rush") remembers it as one of the first songs he heard as a child.

Quantum Leap

8y↑2

Agreed with all points. Ahh, Neil Peart - one of the finest drummers alive.

Dixie Burge

5y↑7

freeguy77, well, the word “sex” wouldn’t fit, would it? I mean, just imagine how that would sound: “Santa Catalina, the island of...sex.” :-D

Bill Harris

Thank goodness for the time when it was encouraged to be a little more creative than just to say sex
These days they could just rap the eff word and exterminate all charm

debjeanp

4y↑1

Same year I was born, great song!

Jeff McMahon

6y↑8

I was just about to enter puberty and this song has a special significance. A bit like Johnny Mathis' 'Wonderful'.

Dixie Burge

I remember “Wonderful, Wonderful” more by The Thymes. I didn’t hear Johnny Mathis’ version until I was in my teens in the 1960s.

bshpilot64

6y↑3

Many wonderful “Endless Summers” in Avalon back in ‘59-‘65. Things changed a lot when it was annexed to L.A. County. Ben Weston/Shark Harbor (on the leeward side) was my favorite spot and Casino Point at night watching the “submarine races” with my girlfriend. 😎

todd windyhill

8y↑4

Dedicated to Joan and Walt.....for very different reasons.....thanks for the memories that have stayed with me for these now 58 years....God Bless!

Clyde Suckfinger

7y↑6

I believe the girl singing in the background was the 11 year old niece of the producer. She was the only one they could find that could reach the high pitched notes.

Dixie Burge

5y↑3

You mean, that’s a girl singing in the background?? I always thought it was somebody whistling!

Charlotte

I heard it was Yma Sumac in background.

Mikey Condry

7y↑39

Why does this not have more views? Was this song forgotten?

Real Tev

7y↑3

Mikey Condry yes I was born in 1999 there's only a couple of us left they like 50s

lucreziia100

6y↑4

I haven't forgotten it...I only knew it only as a young girl when it was a hit song in the late 50s but it sticks in my mind as a sunny, carefree sounding song my mother would sing along to. It puts me in mind of that time as a carefree young girl!

Kick The Can

6y↑2

Mikey Condry santi. Catilina. Is. One. Of. My. Favorite. Songs.

Taylor T. Carlson

6y↑3

Funny you say this. It's about to get a TON more views because it's in the new movie Bad Times at the El Royale.

Alessandro Conti

5y↑2

I was born in 2001 and I love 50s songs.

Kevin Peterson

6y↑10

When California adventure first opened there was music playing in the buena vista area from the 50s and 60s and this was one of the songs playing.

Gabriel Alvarado

4y↑1

Those were the best days.1958 going to high school and dancing on wee-ends.

Lois Ray McInnis

4y↑1

lovely.

Diane Oberlin

4y↑1

Mr Clark of the Four Preps was my junior high choir teacher. He was so nice.

seth borunda

6y↑17

I can see Catalina from my house😂😂😂

sauquoit13456

6y↑3

On this day in 1958 {April 3rd} the Four Preps performed "26 Miles" on the Dick Clark ABC-TV weekday-afternoon program, 'American Bandstand'...
At the time the song was at #12 on Billboard's Most Played by Jockeys chart, five weeks earlier it had peaked at #2* {for 3 weeks} on the Jockeys chart and it spent twenty weeks on the Top 100...
It reached #6 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart...
Between 1956 and 1964 the California-based quartet had twelve records on the Top 100 chart, two made the Top 10...
Besides"26 Miles", their other Top 10 record was "Big Man", later in 1958 on June 15th it reached #3 {for 1 week} on the Most Played by Jockeys chart...
Sadly, only one of the four original members is still with us, lead singer Bruce Belland will celebrate his 82nd birthday this coming October 22nd {2018}...
May the other three R.I.P., Ed Cobb {1938 - 1999}, Marv Ingram {1938 - 1999} and Glen Larson {1937 - 2014}...
* For the three weeks that "26 Miles" was at #2, it was kept out of the top spot by three different records, first by "Sugartime" by the McGuire Sisters, then by Elvis' "Don't", and final by "Catch A Falling Star" by Perry Como...

sillyone52062

sauquoit13456 But could you dance to it?

Diamond Chavez

I hope he thinks about me everytime his grandpa sings this song 🫶

DeltaVision

6y↑69

Those sure were Bad Times

Jon A

5y↑3

Good times

Justin Time for the Parties

At the El Royal

Jojo Tamayo Ayo

2y↑1

NATIVE OF THIS STATE NEVER MADE IT THERE AS A SMALL ONE i DO REM. THIS BEING ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS!

Alex Nova

7y↑5

I´ve heard strange things can be seen in Santa Catalina´s island.

William Ambrogio

When I went to Catalina Island at the end of the day I missed the boat back!!! Lucky I had money or I'd been sleeping on the beach all night 😃😃😃 a fun place !!!

smwca123

Otherwise you might have had to risk returning the 40 km in a leaky old boat.

Aether

4y↑1

The shortest distance from the continental US to Catalina Island is from Long Point near Palos Verdes to Arrow Point on Catalina. It's actually 19.6 miles across the sea.

Internet Wonder Builder

Thanks buzzkill

Tony Underwood

43w

@Internet Wonder Builder ...yeah, I guess 26 rolls off the tongue better than 19.6.

Maybe it's 26 miles if you take the detour...?

rey knudson

4y↑2

I like it! Thanks! R.K.

Quantum Leap

8y↑4

Great song, I remember it well growing up. Does anyone know what the background high pitched singer style is called? Eeerie, for sure.

Glenn Lego

8y↑1

I'd say vocalizing. If you have ever heard "Flamingo " by the Tijuana Brass it has that type of thing in the background only it had men's voices.

Quantum Leap

8y↑2

One of the weirdest background "vocalizing" I've ever heard is in James Darrin's "Goodbye Cruel World". What sounds like a calliope in the background is actually a woman, who can emulate a calliope vocally! Strange...

Roberto Wang

That high-pitch back ground voice is eerie but sounds good

Charlotte

Quantum Leap background voice ... Yma Sumac. Check her out.

Dixie Burge

Quantum Leap, I always thought it was whistling!

4 More Replies...

Dave Johns

2y↑1

I had a 51 foot boat,, went there 9 times!!

UnitedSoundVideo

5y↑1

Never knew girls grew like trees on Catalina. Certainly wasn’t a girl Farm when I visited in the late 80s. Sure was pretty there.

Shiron Cohen

4y↑2

Still listening in 2020

Michelle Young

Yeah, I spent my second honey moon there. Romance. Romance Romance!...

Hihihihihihi147

6y↑270

Bad times at the El royal anyone? 😂👉

Petar Petrović

5y↑2

Me lol

Professor Pepe

5y↑6

I love that playlist sooo much

LifeisA Dream

Good flick

fig juice

5y↑4

Basically why I came here 😂

Nopadol Ta

For sure!!!

18 More Replies...

LakeErieOH

8y↑2

very nice

JehutyX01

ROMANCE.

Linda Field

6y↑6

0:48
"I'd work for anyone, even the Navy"

--sadly, they only go to San Clemente.

So someone needs to write a song for San Clemente.

Mary Pettyfer

Thank you 😊

jennifur sun

a place i want to go but have never made it yet

Page-Hendryx

When I first wen to Catalina I saw an LA County Sheriffs car and I was like "26 miles from home? God damn you all to hell!" like Charlton Heston at the end of Planet of the Apes. "We never left L.A.!!"

Paul Norman

4y↑1

The song sounds alot like "Only 16".

Shawn Patrick O'Hare

4y↑2

What was the name of the Background Singer ? I used to know it .. but no longer 😥

Fab

My physcs book led me to this old song 😐 literally

Rich915

3y↑2

Still have the 45 RPM… lol

장순국

2y↑1

조회수 227,991회... 잘 들었습니다.

Jeffrey Parent

8y↑4

Never been to Santa Catalina, but I've been to Panama City Beach. ☺
Close enough.

INF1NI73

I hear it's quite wet from the standpoint of water.

Ryan Sharpe

5y↑1

These guys must have never been to Catalina. It’s a desert island lol

Dixie Burge

5y↑1

I always heard it was a vacation spot.

Ryan Sharpe

5y↑1

@Dixie Burge I've only gone in the summer to the Boy Scout camp at Camp Cherry Valley. I've hiked the western and southern end of the island and I can ensure you its dust and shrubs. I've heard Avalon is nice though

MisterNineElven

Here before they use this one in a scary movir lol

Ace💕

I just went to Catalina Friday

Nickolas Pirovolikos

4y↑1

That dude shouldn’t have opened the door

Texasbber

I was also 10.

D Taylor

37w

Never been. Maybe get there one day b4 I die or Im RAPTURED

JESUS CHRYSLER

*I IMAGINE ALL MARRIED COUPLES VOMITING (4 VOMIT EMOGIS) ON EACH OTHER WHILE LISTENING TO THIS SONG!!* --- ROSEANNE BARR

Frygiri

sucks the best actor had to die within the first 5 mins

Catalina Dewhi

6y↑10

My name is catalina

Alessandro Conti

5y↑1

My first love's name was(and still is) Catalina. I miss her so much.

LesB SoCal

9y↑1

No accommodation for download.
OFF my list.

Tariq Busy

just heard this song in a movie. the movie was trash, but nice song from the 50s.

Brenden

43w

Fortnine?

Shawn Jaison

6y↑5

This is so white

Adam Bomb

4y↑2

Not sure if blacks and browns could swim 26 miles :)

john dilutis

is this the greatest song to make you feel young all over again,to all you baby boombers

1 More Replies...

More Comments

just now