The Breeders is an alternative rock band based in Dayton, Ohio, USA. The ba… Read Full Bio ↴The Breeders is an alternative rock band based in Dayton, Ohio, USA. The band was first formed by Kim Deal and Tanya Donelly in 1989. Originally intended as a side-project for Deal and Donelly while still in their full-time bands Pixies and Throwing Muses, respectively, The Breeders quickly became Deal's primary recording outlet. The original line-up also included bassist Josephine Wiggs of The Perfect Disaster, and drummer Britt Walford of Slint. The band has had several lineup changes over the years, with frontwoman Kim Deal being the band's sole continuous member; Deal's twin sister Kelley Deal joined in 1992, and has remained in the band ever since.

Istanbul
The Breeders Lyrics

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Come on in (on in, whoa, whoa)
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

It's where you are

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)

Overall Meaning

The song "Istanbul" by The Breeders can be interpreted as an invitation to explore and discover the beauty of Istanbul, a city located in Turkey. The repeated phrase "Come on in" suggests the willingness to welcome and guide someone who is unfamiliar with the city. The lyrics encourage the listener to not go too far in their search, as the city they are looking for is closer than expected, and it is where they are at the moment. This implies that the beauty and culture of Istanbul can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their current location.

When the lyrics ask "Where you going? To the city, where you going?" it serves as an additional prompt for exploring the vibrant city of Istanbul. The song emphasizes the contagious energy of the city that can be experienced by all, as the repeated phrase "Istanbul" in the chorus sounds like a joyful chant that invites the listener to join in. The song's overall tone is light-hearted and enthusiastic, which adds to the idea that Istanbul is a place that should be visited with excitement and anticipation.

Line by Line Meaning

Come on in (on in, whoa, whoa)
Inviting the listener to join in and explore.

Is it in the east
Posing the question of where Istanbul is located.

You've gone too far
Acknowledging the potential difficulty of finding Istanbul.

Boys it's over there
Indicating that Istanbul is nearby and can be easily reached.

Not that far
Assuring the listener that Istanbul is within reasonable distance.

It's here
Emphasizing that Istanbul is present wherever the listener happens to be.

It's where you are
Reiterating the previous point that one can experience Istanbul wherever they may be.

Where you going
Asking the listener where they are headed.

To the city
Clarifying that they are referring to a metropolitan area.

Istanbul
Nominating Istanbul as the city in question.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KIM DEAL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind