[Intro – 0:00–0:20] (Gentle acoustic guitar picking, Elton’s twinkling piano arpeggios, Marty’s soft shakers, distant harmony “oohs” from Tara & Cal) [Verse 1 – Cal lead vocal, warm and inviting] Two-hour boat from Long Beach, chasing the morning sun Your laughter on the deck, the best day just begun Catalina rising like a jewel from the sea Island of romance, baby, you and me [Pre-Chorus] Waves are singing our song, the horizon calls us near Your hand in mine, nothing left to fear [Chorus – Full band kicks in, Michael McDonald’s soaring high harmonies lock in tight with Tara & Cal] Sundown on Catalina! (Sundown on Catalina!) Skies turning fire and gold, stories waiting to be told Avalon lights are dancing as the day slips away Sundown on Catalina, with you I wanna stay Oh, stay with me… [Verse 2] Strolled through Avalon town, palms swaying in the breeze Danced at the big Casino, lost in sweet melodies Glass-bottom dreams and beaches kissed by the tide Every moment with you, I feel so alive [Chorus] Sundown on Catalina! (Sundown on Catalina!) Skies turning fire and gold, stories waiting to be told Avalon lights are dancing as the day slips away Sundown on Catalina, with you I wanna stay [Bridge – Tempo eases, spotlight on Elton’s emotional piano solo ~25 seconds, then Michael’s organ swells deep and soulful] As the sun kisses the water, colors paint the sky Michael lifts it higher, Tara’s sweet reply In that golden twilight under Catalina’s spell I know this love is real… more than words can tell [Final Chorus – Key lift, full stacked harmonies, everyone pouring it on] Sundown on Catalina! (Sundown on Catalina!) Fire and gold forever, in my heart you’ll hold Avalon lights are calling but the real magic’s here Sundown on Catalina, love is crystal clear [Outro – 3:50–4:09 – Slow fade with McDonald’s signature ad-libs “oh baby… with you…”, rolling piano, lingering acoustic and soft percussion] Sundown… on Catalina… (Yeah… stay with me… sundown… fade into the sea…)
