Istanbul
They Might Be Giants Lyrics
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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
Even old New York was once New Amsterdam
Why they changed it I can't say
People just liked it better that way
Istanbul was Constantinople
Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople
Been a long time gone, oh Constantinople
Why did Constantinople get the works?
That's nobody's business but the Turks
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
The song "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" by They Might Be Giants is a playful song that explores how the city of Constantinople was renamed Istanbul and how the people and culture of the city evolved over time. It begins with the line "Istanbul was Constantinople, now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople," which sets the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics emphasize that the city's history and name have changed, but the essence of the place remains the same. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody create a sense of fun and excitement that mirrors the vibrant culture of Istanbul.
The second verse of the song focuses on the people of Istanbul and how they relate to the city's history. The lyrics say that every gal in Constantinople now lives in Istanbul and that those who have dates in Constantinople will find their friends waiting for them in Istanbul. This implies that the people of the city have embraced their new name and identity, but this does not change the fact that Constantinople still holds a special place in their hearts.
The final stanza of the song asks why Constantinople "got the works," referring to its renaming and the changes that followed. The lyrics suggest that the reason for the change was nobody's business but the Turks. This line emphasizes the importance of cultural identity and ownership and the idea that the people who live in a place should have the final say over how it is named and identified.
Overall, "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" is a fun, light-hearted song that touches on serious themes of cultural identity, ownership, and history. The catchy melody and playful lyrics make it a popular tune that has endured over time.
Line by Line Meaning
Istanbul was Constantinople
The city of Istanbul was once called Constantinople.
Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople
The city's name was changed to Istanbul.
Been a long time gone, Constantinople
It's been a while since the name change.
Now it's Turkish delight on a moonlit night
Now the city of Istanbul is a place of delight on a beautiful night.
Every gal in Constantinople
All the women who lived in Constantinople.
Lives in Istanbul, not Constantinople
Now mostly everyone lives in Istanbul instead of Constantinople.
So if you've a date in Constantinople
If you have a date with someone in Constantinople.
She'll be waiting in Istanbul
She'll actually be waiting for you in Istanbul.
Even old New York was once New Amsterdam
The city of New York used to have a different name - New Amsterdam.
Why they changed it I can't say
The reason for the change of name is unclear.
People just liked it better that way
But it seems people preferred the new name.
So, take me back to Constantinople
The singer desires to return to Constantinople.
No, you can't go back to Constantinople
Unfortunately, it's not possible to go back to Constantinople.
Been a long time gone, Constantinople
It's been too long since Constantinople existed.
Why did Constantinople get the works?
Why did the city experience such drastic changes?
That's nobody's business but the Turks
The answer to the previous question is known only to the Turkish people.
Istanbul
Istanbul.
Istanbul
Istanbul.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jimmy Kennedy, Nat Simon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Whatsoul
Lyrics if u want :)
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
Even old New York was once New Amsterdam
Why they changed it I can't say
People just liked it better that way
Istanbul was Constantinople
Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople
Been a long time gone, oh Constantinople
Why did Constantinople get the works?
That's nobody's business but the Turks
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
@lividluxury1
My history teacher played this banger in class and had it on loop for the ENTIRE class period. Nobody got tired of it or asked to change the song. Amazing job, guys!
@ithink3979
My friend and I used to listen to this on repeat in my car while cruising around town. He'd sing the low parts while I sang the high parts. We'd go with the windows rolled down for the luls, oh so many funny/amused looks we got from people! Good times, good times...
@lividluxury1
@@ithink3979 Thats nice.
@Moviegroup.42
I wish I was there.
@chrise.8098
As a greek, I can't help imagining what a banger that song would be like 570 years ago.
@komikediares
Baklavaki
@komikediares
Cacıki
@komikediares
Dönerki
@komikediares
İstanbulki
@cacsofonii
@@komikediares Calm down