Expert: Bong Santos - 1/26/2007

Question
I am looking for the song "Istanbul, not Constantinople", but cant remember who sings it.  Do you know?  I would appreciate any help you could give me.
Thanks, Kristy

Answer
Dear Kristy,

The song ISTANBUL (NOT CONSTANTINOPLE) is a very old song. Originally written by JIMMY KENNEDY & NAT SIMON, it was originally performed by THE FOUR LADS back in 1953. But you're probably looking for the most popular version of the song, the one by the American alternative band THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS who recorded it for their 1990 album FLOOD. THEY MIGHT...(or TMBG) is the duo of JOHN LINNELL & JOHN FLANSBURGH. Here's the lyrics:

ISTANBUL (NOT CONSTANTINOPLE) / THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS

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, 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

Maraming salamat po!!

BONG M. SANTOS
Manila, Philippines