26 Miles (Santa Catalina)

by Four Preps

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Lyrics

(C)Twen ty six (Am)miles a (Dm7)cross the sea

(C)San ta Cat a (Am)li na is a (Dm7)wait in’ for me,

(C)San ta Cat a (Am)li na, the (Dm7)is land of ro mance, ro mance, ro mance, ro mance.

(C)Wa ter all a (Am)round it (Dm7)ev ’ry where,

(C)trop i cal (Am)trees and the (Dm7)salt y air; but for (C)me the (Am)thing that’s a (Dm7)wait in’ there’s ro mance.

It (G)seems i so dis tant, (C)twen ty six miles a way, (Dm)rest in’ in the (G)wa ter se rene.

I’d I (F)work for an y one, (C)e ven the Na vy, who would (D7)float me to my is land (G)dream.

(Am)Twen ty six o miles, ters so a (G)near y yet far.

I’d (C)swim with just some (Am)wa ter wings and (Dm7)my gui tar.

I can (C)leave the (Am)wings but I’ll (Dm7)need the gui tar for ro mance, ro mance, ro mance, ro mance.

(C)Twen ty six (Am)miles a (Dm7)cross the sea

(C)San ta Cat a (Am)li na is a (Dm7)wait in’ for me,

(C)San ta Cat a (Am)li na, the (Dm7)is land of ro mance,

A (G)trop i cal heav en (C)out in the o a cean (Dm)cov ered with the (G)trees ter and girls.

If I (F)have to swim I’d (C)do it for ev er till I’m (D7)gaz in’ on those is land (G)pearls.

(Am)For ty kil o me ters in a (G)leak y old boat, I’d (C)an y old some (Am)thing ter that ’ll (Dm7)stay a float.

When can (C)we ar (Am)rive we’ll I’ll (Dm7)all the pro mote ro mance, ro mance, ro mance, ro mance.

ty six (Am)miles a (Dm7)cross the sea

(C)San ta Cat a (Am)li na is a (Dm7)wait in’ for me,

(C)San ta Cat a (Am)li na, the (Dm7)is land of ro mance,

A ro mance, ro mance, ro mance.

Ro mance, ro mance, ro mance, ro mance, ro mance.

26 Miles (Santa Catalina) by Four Preps — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “26 Miles (Santa Catalina)” by Four Preps in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of C at 104 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "26 Miles (Santa Catalina)" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "26 Miles (Santa Catalina)"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
What other Four Preps songs work for kids?
Try "26 MILES". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.