Catch A Wave


Original Album
Surfer Girl
Also Appeared On
Written By
Brian Wilson
Produced By
Brian Wilson
Lead Vocals
Mike
Recorded On
July 16, 1963
Length
2:11
Notes
  • A big, early production from Brian.
  • Mike's sister Maureen plays harp on this track.
  • In 1964, Roger Christian rewrote the lyrics and re-named the song "Sidewalk Surfin'", which became a top-30 hit for Jan and Dean.
  • Mike Love was awarded co-writer credits for this song after his suit against Brian.
Lyrics
Catch a wave and you're sitting on top of the world

Don't be afraid to try the greatest sport around
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
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
Get yourself a big board
But don't you 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
Catch a wave and you'll be sittin' on top of the world
Catch a wave and you'll be sittin' on top of the world
Chords
A.............F........................G.............A.................D
Catch a wave and you're sitting on top of the world

D
Don't be afraid to try the greatest sport around (everybody tries it once)
A..........................................................D
Those who don't just have to put it down
G
You paddle out turn around and raise
..................D
And baby that's all there is to the coastline craze
....................A..........F........................G............A.................D
You gotta catch a wave and you're sittin' on top of the world

D
Not just a fad cause it's been going on so long (all the surfers going strong)
A................................................D
They said it wouldn't last too long
G
They'll eat their words with a fork and spoon
.........................D
And watch 'em they'll hit the road and all be surfin' soon
............................A...........F.....................G.............A................D
And when they catch a wave they'll be sittin' on top of the world

A.....D....A.....D.....G.....D
A.............F.........................G...........A.................D
Catch a wave and you're sittin' on top of the world

D
So take a lesson from a top-notch surfer boy (get yourself a big board)
A.....................................D
But don't treat it like a toy
G
Just get away from the shady turf
.................D
And baby go catch some rays on the sunny surf
...........................A..........F.....................G............A.................D
And when you catch a wave you'll be sittin on top of the world

..A...........F............................G.............A................D
Catch a wave and you'll be sittin' on top of the world
..A...........F............................G.............A................D
Catch a wave and you'll be sittin' on top of the world

Chart prepared by Francis Greene
Sheet Music

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