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Istanbul
Ska Cubano Lyrics


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Istanbul was Constantinople
Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople
Been a long time gone, Constantinople
Now it's Turkish delight on a moonlit night

Every gal in Constantinople
Lives in Istanbul, not Constantinople
So if you've a date in Constantinople
She'll be waiting in Istanbul




Even old New York was once New Amsterdam
Why they changed it I can't say
People just liked it better that way

So take me back to Constantinople
No, you can't go back to Constantinople
Been a long time gone, Constantinople
Why did Constantinople get the works?
That's nobody's business but the Turks

Istanbul (Istanbul)
Istanbul (Istanbul)

Istanbul was Constantinople
Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople
Been a long time gone, Constantinople
Now it's Turkish delight on a moonlit night

Every gal in Constantinople
Lives in Istanbul, not Constantinople
So if you've a date in Constantinople
She'll be waiting in Istanbul

Even old New York was once New Amsterdam
Why they changed it I can't say
People just liked it better that way

So take me back to Constantinople
No, you can't go back to Constantinople
Been a long time gone, Constantinople
Why did Constantinople get the works?
That's nobody's business but the Turks

Istanbul (Istanbul)
Istanbul (Istanbul)

Overall Meaning

The song Istanbul by Ska Cubano is a cover of a classic tune originally performed by the Four Lads in 1953. The song is an upbeat and catchy tune that explores the transformation of the city of Istanbul, which was formerly known as Constantinople. The song emphasizes how Istanbul has become a hub of culture and delights, rather than just a historical location.


The lyrics reference the history of the city, with lines like "Every gal in Constantinople lives in Istanbul, not Constantinople" showcasing how the location of the city has shifted over time. The song suggests that the city has evolved into a place that is full of life and joy, with "Turkish delight on a moonlit night" being a whimsical reference to the culinary delights and cultural treasures that Istanbul has to offer.


The song also references the changing of names of other major cities, with the line "Even old New York was once New Amsterdam" reminding the listener that names and places can change over time. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Istanbul, not Constantinople," reinforcing the idea that the city has changed and evolved into something new and vibrant.


Line by Line Meaning

Istanbul was Constantinople
The city of Istanbul was previously named Constantinople.


Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople
The name of the city has officially been changed from Constantinople to Istanbul.


Been a long time gone, Constantinople
It has been a long time since the name Constantinople was used.


Now it's Turkish delight on a moonlit night
The city of Istanbul is now known for its Turkish delights, especially enjoyed on a moonlit night.


Every gal in Constantinople
All the women who lived in the city of Constantinople.


Lives in Istanbul, not Constantinople
The people who lived in Constantinople now reside in Istanbul.


So if you've a date in Constantinople
If you have a romantic interest in Constantinople...


She'll be waiting in Istanbul
...she will actually be in Istanbul.


Even old New York was once New Amsterdam
The city of New York was also once called New Amsterdam.


Why they changed it I can't say
The reason for the name change is unknown to the singer.


People just liked it better that way
The name New York was preferred by the general public over New Amsterdam.


So take me back to Constantinople
The singer wants to go back to the time when the city was named Constantinople.


No, you can't go back to Constantinople
It is not possible to go back in time to when Constantinople existed as a city.


Why did Constantinople get the works?
The reason Constantinople underwent changes is unknown to the singer.


That's nobody's business but the Turks
Whatever happened to Constantinople is a matter solely concerning the Turks.


Istanbul (Istanbul)
Chorus repeating the current name of the city.


Istanbul (Istanbul)
Chorus repeating the current name of the city.




Writer(s): Nat Simon, Jimmy Kennedy

Contributed by Aria T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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