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They Might Be Giants — Istanbul Not Constantinople
Album: Flood
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3433









Released: 1990
Length: 2:28
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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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!
Comments (509)add comment
... how have I been listening to RP for this long ( a very long time), and NOT yet given this song a 10? 
Posted 1 year ago by daiv    [ Reply ]
Silly fun! An 8.
Posted 1 year ago by hawkeye77    [ Reply ]
I don't understand the fascination with Turkish Delight.  I tried it once, and it was like eating perfumed soap!
Posted 1 year ago by RussellNelson    [ Reply ]
It's like the Sucko-Barfo rating was created for this song.
Posted 2 years ago by airstack    [ Reply ]
Particle Man!
Posted 2 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]
The video to this is more bonkers than a swingers club, more bananas than Fyffes, and great fun in a Hanna-Barbera stylee  :o)

A great song that's stood the test of time. 10 from the Nottingham jury.
Posted 2 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Irish clowns
Posted 2 years ago by rogyus    [ Reply ]
Take me back to Constantinople. It's Constantinople NOT Istanbul  
Posted 3 years ago by geonuine    [ Reply ]
Nice to hear some TMBG on RP.  I find they're often quirky make me think.   I appreciate their support of science as real.  
Posted 3 years ago by NameGoesHere    [ Reply ]
 maxvonevil wrote:


Lol, gotta wonder what they're gonna try naming after the Nylonhaired Mango, besides the unfortunate concrete eyesores already bearing his fugly name.


lol @ Nylonhaired Mango
Posted 3 years ago by rhlrstn    [ Reply ]
 lizardking wrote:

I'll disagree by saying hearing this played after Matias Duplesey and before Vivaldi made this transition of global musical possible, and then followed up with Kan'Nal as I type.... brilliance ! Long Live eclecticism, and RP! And Kindness to all!!


Just got the Duplessy/TMBG/Vivaldi set again, wonder if Kan'Nal is next ;)

[Edit] Yes, Kan'Nal was next.. and I'm thoroughly enjoying this set!
Posted 3 years ago by rhlrstn    [ Reply ]
 mgoldman wrote:
The John's are infinitely entertaining and smart.
 

The Pride of Lincoln, MA.
Posted 3 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
The John's are infinitely entertaining and smart.
Posted 4 years ago by mgoldman    [ Reply ]
 maxvonevil wrote:


Lol, gotta wonder what they're gonna try naming after the Nylonhaired Mango, besides the unfortunate concrete eyesores already bearing his fugly name.
 
I can think of a few, sewage treatment plants, toxic waste dumps, abattoirs, etc.
Posted 4 years ago by derhey9416    [ Reply ]
Puttin' on the Ritz
Posted 4 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
Makes me think of Moxy Fruvous....a good thing.
Posted 4 years ago by dmiklitz    [ Reply ]
 wallaby wrote:

Thanks for bringing up Cape Kennedy, people forget.  It sticks in my craw about what Republicans do.  Just try renaming Ronald Reagan airport...
 

Lol, gotta wonder what they're gonna try naming after the Nylonhaired Mango, besides the unfortunate concrete eyesores already bearing his fugly name.
Posted 4 years ago by maxvonevil    [ Reply ]
Posted 4 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
 PeaceInIraq wrote:
 
 
That's a beautiful story. 
 
Posted 4 years ago by Radio_Melodia    [ Reply ]
 h8rhater wrote:
 
 
Thanks for bringing up Cape Kennedy, people forget.  It sticks in my craw about what Republicans do.  Just try renaming Ronald Reagan airport...
Posted 5 years ago by wallaby    [ Reply ]
 olivertwist wrote:
Jaunty little tune. Other city name changes: Bombay to Mumbai, Leningrad back to St. Petersburg...


 

Also: Stalingrad back to Volgograd and Cape Kennedy back to Cape Canaveral (boo!).

"We choose to go to the Moon.."  Ingrates.
Posted 5 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 geodesmo wrote:
that  was kind of a cute novelty song when first reelased and then covered... but you only needed to hear it once. 
 
I'll disagree by saying hearing this played after Matias Duplesey and before Vivaldi made this transition of global musical possible, and then followed up with Kan'Nal as I type.... brilliance ! Long Live eclecticism, and RP! And Kindness to all!!
Posted 5 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
Love it ;-) Thank you radio paradise!
Posted 5 years ago by jesse1    [ Reply ]
Years ago I was transiting through Istanbul on New Year's eve.

There was a full moon. In fact, being the second full moon of the month, a 'blue moon' at that.

I walked through the moonlit streets and across a bridge to the Beşiktaş district on the European shore and found a trendy cocktail bar overlooking the Bosphorus and the Asian shore. It was just minutes before midnight. I ordered a scotch and walked to the windows to watch the fireworks across the water. As the clock struck midnight, this was the song the DJ played. A song from my college days before alternative music went mainstream, and an unforgettable moment in a magical city under a blue moon. 
Posted 5 years ago by PeaceInIraq    [ Reply ]
Song sung by a pervert. Blah.
Posted 5 years ago by Jolouis    [ Reply ]
 TerrorGovernor wrote:
 coloradojohn wrote:
In the right mood, at the right altitude, this song can make me grin every bit as much as Cake, Frank Zappa, or B-52s. So much fun!
 
Apres ski gang

 So much fun! :)

Posted 5 years ago by tomaszdl    [ Reply ]
 coloradojohn wrote:
In the right mood, at the right altitude, this song can make me grin every bit as much as Cake, Frank Zappa, or B-52s. So much fun!
 
Apres ski gang

Posted 5 years ago by TerrorGovernor    [ Reply ]
that  was kind of a cute novelty song when first reelased and then covered... but you only needed to hear it once. 
Posted 5 years ago by geodesmo    [ Reply ]
The original is better by the Four Lads
Posted 6 years ago by wawmd    [ Reply ]
so grateful that the horrible song, 5 American 6 Canadian, didn't appear...!
Posted 6 years ago by lavaracer    [ Reply ]
The Residents "Constantinople" might be a bit much even for RP.
Posted 6 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
 coloradojohn wrote:
In the right mood, at the right altitude, this song can make me grin every bit as much as Cake, Frank Zappa, or B-52s. So much fun!

 
you hit the nail on the head.
Posted 7 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
{#Sunny}
Posted 7 years ago by Azrica    [ Reply ]
 coloradojohn wrote:
In the right mood, at the right altitude, this song can make me grin every bit as much as Cake, Frank Zappa, or B-52s. So much fun!

 
Agreed...in fact the entire album is gold, again assuming the proper altitude {#Propeller}
Posted 7 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
Gotta love it! Haven't heard this in ages! Ranks up there with Moxy Fruvous.
Posted 7 years ago by dmiklitz    [ Reply ]
In the right mood, at the right altitude, this song can make me grin every bit as much as Cake, Frank Zappa, or B-52s. So much fun!
Posted 7 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Just a wee bit different than The Residents "Constantinople" eh?
Posted 7 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
 membeth wrote:
There has been a sudden outbreak of dancing like an idiot in my office.
{#Bananajam}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananapiano}{#Dancingbanana}

 
Same here !!!!
Posted 8 years ago by Azrica    [ Reply ]
 bm.deavenport613 wrote:

Couldn't agree more. Just danced with my dog to this!! Fun city!!!

 
You have a dancing dog!?! Awesome!
Posted 8 years ago by Lindo525    [ Reply ]
There has been a sudden outbreak of dancing like an idiot in my office.
{#Bananajam}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananapiano}{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 8 years ago by membeth    [ Reply ]
 h8rhater wrote:
wah, Wah,... Wah!!  The h8rs do cry.

It's a short song and a funny song.  Don't take yourselves, or the music, so seriously.

 
Couldn't agree more. Just danced with my dog to this!! Fun city!!!
Posted 8 years ago by bm.deavenport613    [ Reply ]
I haven't heard this in so long and I love it! Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
 
Posted 8 years ago by JuliaH    [ Reply ]
Tuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurks...
Posted 8 years ago by ico    [ Reply ]
The lyrics were written by Jimmy Kennedy in 1953. 

 
Posted 8 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
wah, Wah,... Wah!!  The h8rs do cry.

It's a short song and a funny song.  Don't take yourselves, or the music, so seriously.
Posted 8 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
Oops, PSD, see ya later! {#Motor}
Posted 8 years ago by markybx    [ Reply ]
ick, accordians - nasally vocals - pre Radio-free Europe kinda attitude  = dopey shit
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 idiot_wind wrote:
Never got these guys. 

They spend too much effort trying to sound "cheeky" and most of their songs suck.  

 
yep,
i got Sivert Hoyem on the PSD
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Never got these guys. 

They spend too much effort trying to sound "cheeky" and most of their songs suck.  
Posted 8 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
H-O-R-R-I-B-L-E....PSD
Posted 8 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 EdmoJoe wrote:
On the list of five songs played by RP that I just don't get. Yeah I guess it is supposed to be funny, but so annoying!

 
FFS its 3 minutes long, and even if you stay where you are you have PSD, a stop control, a volume control and a power button.   Get a sense of proportion will you?   
Posted 8 years ago by stunix    [ Reply ]
If only I had listened!!!
https://en.uncyclopedia.co/wiki/Five_tough_life_lessons_I_wouldn%27t_have_had_to_learn_if_I_had_listened_to_Flood_by_They_Might_Be_Giants


Posted 8 years ago by midget    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana}{#Bananasplit}
Posted 9 years ago by CCinSB    [ Reply ]
Let the chair dancing commence....
Posted 9 years ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]

                                  Denial  it a`int a river
                                In Egypt.it is an ocean,
                                And the joke is on me.

                              God  I try to get a handle
                              On mane, yet golden horns,
                                 Still jerk and the jokey
                                          Is a smirk.


Posted 9 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
 wgsu_1978 wrote:
More funny stuff like this please. Robin Williamson & His Merry Band? Dan Hicks?
 
Gasp: Flanders and Swann?
Posted 9 years ago by whiskofclarity    [ Reply ]
More funny stuff like this please. Robin Williamson & His Merry Band? Dan Hicks?
Posted 9 years ago by wgsu_1978    [ Reply ]
So much fun here, this would make any day better.
Posted 9 years ago by musicforme    [ Reply ]
I love it
Posted 9 years ago by PopKombo    [ Reply ]
They Might be Giants with Squirrel Nut Zippers.  Maybe throw in Irene Cara.  That'd be a show...
Posted 9 years ago by Bobert_ParkCity    [ Reply ]
Good to hear some TMBG on RP. Speaking of eclectic this guy's are all over the place but excellent musicians. I'd love to hear more. 
Posted 9 years ago by salinmooch    [ Reply ]
Nobody's business but the Turks....
 
Posted 9 years ago by hempmandan    [ Reply ]
well, absolutely ACE. sunday night dancing in the kitchen {#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 9 years ago by adpucci    [ Reply ]
 Lindo525 wrote:

Ed,
You have to figure that a radio station that includes "Sucko-Barfo" as a possible song rating - has a sense of humor! Enjoy a little dessert with your steak and potatoes once in a while!

 
Could not agree more!  No uptight commercial/corporate agendas here!

Roger
- Je suis Charlie


Posted 9 years ago by flight750    [ Reply ]
 ckcotton wrote:
So terrible and annoying 
 
agreed ! It might have been big in its time but it sounds terrible today... 
Posted 9 years ago by ChrisVIII    [ Reply ]
 hayduke2 wrote:
hmm, Bette Midler did a version in '77 (and Bing Crosby + Ella Fitzgerald too!)

 
The Four Lads originally recorded it in 1953:


Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
So terrible and annoying 
Posted 10 years ago by ckcotton    [ Reply ]
 Ed222 wrote:
Does this song really deserve to be on RP... i have my doubts (catchy though)

 
Ed,
You have to figure that a radio station that includes "Sucko-Barfo" as a possible song rating - has a sense of humor! Enjoy a little dessert with your steak and potatoes once in a while!
Posted 10 years ago by Lindo525    [ Reply ]
On the list of five songs played by RP that I just don't get. Yeah I guess it is supposed to be funny, but so annoying!
Posted 10 years ago by EdmoJoe    [ Reply ]
 LPCity wrote:
This song makes me smile and tap my feet every time it plays.

 
Me too! Such a happy, fun song.
Posted 10 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
This song makes me smile and tap my feet every time it plays.
Posted 10 years ago by LPCity    [ Reply ]
hmm, Bette Midler did a version in '77 (and Bing Crosby + Ella Fitzgerald too!)
Posted 10 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]

or this

 

https://youtu.be/G779UlpGQ3U


Posted 10 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
This is even more fun in this YouTube video, Hannah-Barbera style. This is such a fun song.
Posted 10 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Does this song really deserve to be on RP... i have my doubts (catchy though)
Posted 10 years ago by Ed222    [ Reply ]
This song is fun. How bitter is someone to give this song a one rating?
Posted 10 years ago by daigoro    [ Reply ]
 richlister wrote:
F***king annoying.

 
You are! And this song is not.
Posted 10 years ago by RussNelson    [ Reply ]
 richlister wrote:
F***king annoying.

 
Never!
Posted 10 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
ughh
Posted 10 years ago by Kaisersosay    [ Reply ]
F***king annoying.
Posted 10 years ago by richlister    [ Reply ]

This song is really funny and was originally recorded by the Canadian group The Four Lads in1953.


Posted 10 years ago by megaboogieman    [ Reply ]
Just upgraded from 9 - 10. Love this album!
Posted 10 years ago by beinder    [ Reply ]
A follow up with Particle Man or another TMBG song would be awesome!  How can anyone not like this band?  They are original and creative.{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 10 years ago by chrisross    [ Reply ]
 kurtster wrote:
and one day we might hear One Night In Bangkok after this.

That would be as they say in the construction trades ... tits ...

 
Your wish come true.


Posted 10 years ago by ohm    [ Reply ]

Ya know, they just might be giants.


Posted 10 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
  kurtster wrote:
and one day we might hear One Night In Bangkok after this.

That would be as they say in the construction trades ... tits ...

 

Today you got your wish! Good call.
Posted 10 years ago by andrewmi    [ Reply ]
Hillarious
Posted 10 years ago by Susan_Amati    [ Reply ]
That earns a 10.......
Posted 10 years ago by photolew    [ Reply ]
An excellent selection that would be perfectly rounded out by following with Particle Man :)
Posted 11 years ago by jonno_norton    [ Reply ]
Ouch !!
I think I dislocated my shoulder lunging for the PSD button , because even a split second of this crap is FAR too long . 
Posted 11 years ago by btt    [ Reply ]
my 6-year-old and 8-year-old love this song!
Posted 11 years ago by ceicilbee    [ Reply ]
and one day we might hear One Night In Bangkok after this.

That would be as they say in the construction trades ... tits ...
Posted 11 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
Has anyone seen the Craig Ferguson YouTube version of this? I tried to embed it here, but it won't show up... It was the first time I ever heard "Istanbul" by TMBG - LOVE the song.
 

Miss you so much, Cynaera...

remember this song well...  love it...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
funky and cool
Posted 11 years ago by j1sey    [ Reply ]
Please no, except maybe on Halloween.
Posted 11 years ago by EdmoJoe    [ Reply ]
Istanbul!  Istanbul!

Gotta love this song! 
Posted 11 years ago by mikec09    [ Reply ]
This has been on high rotation on my own playlist lately.  Love it.......
Posted 11 years ago by astra75    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

This song was written long before there was even the slightest notion of Wikipedia.
 
It's a brand new record. For Nineteen Ninety.
Posted 11 years ago by mcullers    [ Reply ]
I love how TMBG make no apologies for their music. It IS what it IS. Not Istanbul...or bull. Great stuff.
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Cracks me up every time RP plays 'They Might Be Giants'!! {#Lol}
Posted 11 years ago by bjesch    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:

Seriously, dude, you need to relax. This thing is about as intellectual as a Coney Island corn dog—and the corn dog may have the inside track. This is just silly fun, yes?
 
Yes it is silly fun and we all need more of that in this crazy world where far too many take things far too seriously!
 
Posted 12 years ago by Johnny-smooth    [ Reply ]
 treehugger wrote:

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln-Sudbury_Regional_High_School#Notable_alumni
 
Phish. Hrumpf. A college-town bar band that got blown way out of proportion. Good for Mike Gordon, though. I love his stuff with Leo Kottke that RP plays. I'll still take John and John any day.
Posted 12 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]

c-c-c-combo breaker!


Posted 12 years ago by palad1    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 12 years ago by Michallik    [ Reply ]
{#Bananapiano}
Posted 12 years ago by erdenese    [ Reply ]
always fun
Posted 12 years ago by ofanansky    [ Reply ]
 jyoull wrote:
I remember when this used to be considered intellectual music for intellect-infected intellectuals.

I didn't like them, then. I don't like it, now.

Sadly I am unable to tease apart "cause and effect". Ergo, I shall never know whether I like or dislike the song per se.
 
Seriously, dude, you need to relax. This thing is about as intellectual as a Coney Island corn dog—and the corn dog may have the inside track. This is just silly fun, yes?
Posted 12 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
i might put this on my 8-year-olds ipod. He'll have to wear headphones though
Posted 12 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
Only listenable when drunk on very cheap beer. BUrrrrp.   {#Cheers}
Posted 12 years ago by Blastcat900    [ Reply ]
{#Bananapiano}
Posted 12 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
 terrapin52 wrote:
Somebody's been reading Wikipedia.
 
This song was written long before there was even the slightest notion of Wikipedia.
Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 Art_Carnage wrote:
From their last really good CD. It was all down hill after that. "John Henry" remains, to this day, the only CD I've ever thrown away. I gave them a few more chances, but "Mink Car" was the last straw.

The irony, of course, is that early on they wrote a song about someone who only had a few good songs to in them, and didn't know it was time to quit ("Number Three", from the self-titled album). Sad. I was a big fan, and saw them live a couple of times. Even got them to sign my copy of "Lincoln".

 



I just saw them in concert and was pleasantly surprised how good - even better- their songs are live.... Except for this one.
Posted 12 years ago by driver8    [ Reply ]
I'm an off an on listener.  Was clued in to radio paradise by a friend/work colleague.  First time I'm hearing TMBG.  Good stuff!  Maybe a "Birdhouse in Your Soul" at some point?
Posted 12 years ago by mikec09    [ Reply ]
 gemtag wrote:
They might be weird Al
 
Except they didn't rewrite the lyrics to this one...

Posted 12 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
*bumping* one more notch...'cause the mrstuba really likes it!
Posted 12 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
From their last really good CD. It was all down hill after that. "John Henry" remains, to this day, the only CD I've ever thrown away. I gave them a few more chances, but "Mink Car" was the last straw.

The irony, of course, is that early on they wrote a song about someone who only had a few good songs to in them, and didn't know it was time to quit ("Number Three", from the self-titled album). Sad. I was a big fan, and saw them live a couple of times. Even got them to sign my copy of "Lincoln".

Posted 12 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
This song is the WORST earworm in the world... Thanks, RP! For earworms, the Rock-n-roll Doctor sez "Take 2 Pink Floyd LP's and drink heavily!"

Posted 12 years ago by misterbearbaby    [ Reply ]
They might be weird Al
Posted 12 years ago by gemtag    [ Reply ]
Somebody's been reading Wikipedia.
Posted 13 years ago by terrapin52    [ Reply ]
please, just make it stop.

catchy,yes.  good music, no.
Posted 13 years ago by walchenbach    [ Reply ]