Catch a Wave
The Beach Boys Lyrics


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Catch a wave and you're sitting on top of the world
Don't be afraid to try the greatest sport around (Catch a wave, catch a wave)
Everybody tries it once
Those who don't just have to put it down
You paddle out turn around and raise
And baby that's all there is to the coastline craze
You gotta catch a wave and you're sittin' on top of the world
Not just a fad cause it's been going on so long (Catch a wave, catch a wave)
All the surfers going strong
They said it wouldn't last too long
They'll eat their words with a fork and spoon
And watch 'em they'll hit the road and all be surfin' soon
And when they catch a wave they'll be sittin' on top of the world

Catch a wave and your sittin' on top of the world
So take a lesson from a top-notch surfer boy (Catch a wave, catch a wave)
Every Saturday boy
But don't treat it like a toy
Just get away from the shady turf
And baby go catch some rays on the sunny surf




And when you catch a wave you'll be sittin' on top of the world
Catch a wave and you'll be sittin' on top of the world

Overall Meaning

The Beach Boys' iconic song "Catch a Wave" is a celebration of the exhilarating sport of surfing. The lyrics encourage listeners to try their hand at surfing and promise that they will feel on top of the world once they catch a wave. The song's upbeat, carefree tone perfectly captures the spirit of the surfing community.


The lyrics, "Don't be afraid to try the greatest sport around," show that the Beach Boys believe surfing is the ultimate sport that anyone can enjoy. They also suggest that those who don't try surfing will miss out on something truly special. The Beach Boys sing about the simplicity of the sport, stating that all one needs to do is paddle out, turn around, and ride the waves. They assure listeners that surfing is not just a passing fad, as many people initially believed. The song also pokes fun at those who doubted surfing's staying power, stating that they will soon join the surfing community once they try it.


The lyrics keep the tone light-hearted and emphasize the fun of surfing. They encourage aspiring surfers to learn from experienced surfers and not treat the sport like a toy. It is evident throughout the song that anyone can catch a wave and feel on top of the world, making it a truly inclusive pastime. "Catch a Wave" is an ode not just to surfing but also to the freedom and joy that it brings.


Line by Line Meaning

Catch a wave and you're sitting on top of the world
Riding a wave can make you feel invincible and on top of everything


Don't be afraid to try the greatest sport around (Catch a wave, catch a wave)
Don't let fear stop you from experiencing the amazing sport of surfing


Everybody tries it once
Almost everyone wants to experience surfing at least once in their life


Those who don't just have to put it down
If you don't try surfing, you'll never know what you're missing


You paddle out turn around and raise
To catch a wave, you have to paddle out to where the waves are breaking, turn your board around, and get ready to ride


And baby that's all there is to the coastline craze
Surfing is simple yet thrilling, and has become a craze among coastal communities


You gotta catch a wave and you're sittin' on top of the world
Riding a wave can make you feel like you're on top of everything in the world


Not just a fad cause it's been going on so long (Catch a wave, catch a wave)
Surfing is not just a temporary trend, it has been popular for a long time and will continue to be


All the surfers going strong
Surfers are still enthusiastic and dedicated to the sport


They said it wouldn't last too long
Some people predicted that surfing would not remain popular for very long


They'll eat their words with a fork and spoon
Those who doubted the longevity of surfing will be proven wrong


And watch 'em they'll hit the road and all be surfin' soon
Those who were skeptical of surfing will soon join the trend and start surfing themselves


And when they catch a wave they'll be sittin' on top of the world
Even those who were once doubtful of surfing will feel the exhilaration of riding a wave and feel on top of the world


So take a lesson from a top-notch surfer boy (Catch a wave, catch a wave)
Learn from experienced surfers to improve your skills and enjoy surfing more fully


Every Saturday boy
Surfers often practice and enjoy surfing on Saturdays


But don't treat it like a toy
Surfing is not a frivolous pastime, but a sport that requires skill and patience


Just get away from the shady turf
Leave behind the less desirable areas and go to where the waves are good for surfing


And baby go catch some rays on the sunny surf
Enjoy the sunshine and catch some great waves while surfing


And when you catch a wave you'll be sittin' on top of the world
Riding a wave is an amazing experience that can make you feel like you're on top of everything




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MICHAEL LOVE, BRIAN WILSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Philip Kassabian

This song really gets you in the mood for surfing.

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