Istanbul
Breeders The Lyrics
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Come on in (on in, whoa, whoa)
Is it in the east
You've gone to far
Boys it's over there
Not that far
It's here
Where you going
To the city
Where you going
To the city
Istanbul
Is it in the east
You've gone to far
Boys it's over there
Not that far
It's here
It's where you are
Come on in (on in, whoa, whoa)
Come on in (on in, whoa, whoa)
Istanbul
Istanbul
Come on in (on in)
Come on in (on in)
Where you going
To the city
Where you going
To the city
Where you going
Istanbul
(whoa, whoa, whoa)
The Breeders' song "Istanbul" starts with an invitation to "come on in," which is repeated throughout the song. The lyrics then suggest that the listener has gone too far east, and that the city they're looking for is actually not far away. The sense of direction and location is ambiguous, but there's a feeling that the song is an invitation to a place that's not quite defined.
The lyrics then mention the city by name - "Istanbul" - and repeats the phrase "where you going to the city." There's a sense of urgency and excitement, as if the city is a place that everyone wants to go to. The repetition of the phrase "come on in" throughout the song gives the impression that the city is welcoming, open, and accessible to anyone who wants to go there.
Overall, the song creates an atmosphere of curiosity and anticipation, with the city of Istanbul serving as a metaphorical destination. The lyrics are simple but effective, offering an invitation to explore and discover something new.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on in (on in, whoa, whoa)
Invitation to join or enter a space, with emphasis on enthusiasm and welcome.
Come on in (on in, whoa, whoa)
Repeated invitation to join or enter a space, with continued emphasis on enthusiasm and welcome.
Is it in the east
Questioning the location of a city or region, with suggestion that it may be situated to the east.
You've gone too far
Implying that the person may have overshot their intended destination or missed a turn.
Boys, it's over there
Offering guidance and direction to the lost individual, with friendly address.
Not that far
Assurance that the destination is close by, with intention to assuage concerns about distance or difficulty of reaching location.
It's here
Confirmation that the journey has led the person to the correct place, with emphasis on satisfaction of finding destination.
It's where you are
Affirming that the person has reached the desired location, with emphasis on the idea that the journey is as important as the endpoint.
Where you going
Questioning the destination of the individual, with tone of interest and curiosity.
To the city
Clarifying the general location of the desired destination, with implication that there are multiple cities to which one could travel.
Istanbul
Naming the actual destination of interest, with emphasis on finality and specificity.
Come on in (on in)
Reiteration of invitation to join or enter a space, with emphasis on enthusiasm and welcome.
Come on in (on in)
Repeated invitation to join or enter a space, with continued emphasis on enthusiasm and welcome.
Where you going
Questioning the destination of the individual, with tone of interest and curiosity.
To the city
Clarifying the general location of the desired destination, with implication that there are multiple cities to which one could travel.
Where you going
Questioning the destination of the individual, with tone of interest and curiosity.
Istanbul
Naming the actual destination of interest, with emphasis on finality and specificity.
(whoa, whoa, whoa)
Interjection serving no literal purpose, with intent to create emphasis or punctuate the end of the song.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KIM DEAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind