Istanbul
The Four Lads Lyrics
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Now it's Istanbul not Constantinople
Been a long time gone
Old Constantinople's still has Turkish delight
On a moonlight night
Every gal in Constantinople
Is a Miss-stanbul, not Constantinople
So if you've 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)
[Chorus]
Take me back to Constantinople
No, you can't go back to Constantinople
Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople
Why did Constantinople get the works?
That's nobody's business but the Turks'
Istanbul!!
Istanbul!!
Even old New York was once New Amsterdam
Why they changed it, I can't say
(People just liked it better that way)
[Chorus]
Istanbul!!
The Four Lads's song Istanbul is a playful and rhythmic ode to the Turkish city formerly known as Constantinople. The opening lines bring attention to the name change and the fact that it has been a long time since the change took place. The lyrics continue to celebrate the city's unique cultural offerings, mentioning Turkish delight as an example. The song notes that every woman in Constantinople is referred to as a "Miss-stanbul," and if you have a date in Constantinople, she'll be waiting for you in Istanbul.
The chorus expresses a desire to go back to Constantinople, but it's not possible because the city is now called Istanbul. The song playfully alludes to the fact that the name change was done by the Turks, and why Constantinople "got the works" is nobody's business but theirs. The repetition of "Istanbul" throughout the song creates a catchy, fun rhythm.
Line by Line Meaning
Istanbul was Constantinople
The city previously known as Constantinople was renamed Istanbul.
Now it's Istanbul not Constantinople
The city's current name is Istanbul, not Constantinople.
Been a long time gone
It has been a very long time since the name was changed from Constantinople to Istanbul.
Old Constantinople's still has Turkish delight
The traditional sweet named Turkish Delight was first introduced in Constantinople, and is still a popular treat in the city.
On a moonlight night
This line doesn't have much meaning, but it's probably referring to a romantic or poetic atmosphere.
Every gal in Constantinople
Every woman in Constantinople, which is now Istanbul.
Is a Miss-stanbul, not Constantinople
Women from Constantinople are now referred to as Miss-stanbul since the name changed to Istanbul.
So if you've date in Constantinople
If you have a date in Constantinople, which is now Istanbul.
She'll be waiting in Istanbul
Your date will be waiting for you in Istanbul.
Why they changed it, I can't say
The reason why the name was changed from Constantinople to Istanbul is unknown.
(People just liked it better that way)
This line is sarcastic, implying that people simply preferred the name Istanbul over Constantinople.
Take me back to Constantinople
The artist wants to go back to the time when the city was named Constantinople.
No, you can't go back to Constantinople
The listener can't go back in time to when the city was named Constantinople.
Why did Constantinople get the works?
This line is asking why the city was renamed Istanbul.
That's nobody's business but the Turks'
The reason why the city was renamed is irrelevant to anyone who isn't Turkish.
Istanbul!!
This line is a repetition of the name of the city.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jimmy Kennedy, Nat Simon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind