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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
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? 
Silly fun! An 8.
I don't understand the fascination with Turkish Delight.  I tried it once, and it was like eating perfumed soap!
It's like the Sucko-Barfo rating was created for this song.
Particle Man!
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.
Irish clowns
Take me back to Constantinople. It's Constantinople NOT Istanbul  
Nice to hear some TMBG on RP.  I find they're often quirky make me think.   I appreciate their support of science as real.  
 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
 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!
 mgoldman wrote:
The John's are infinitely entertaining and smart.
 

The Pride of Lincoln, MA.
The John's are infinitely entertaining and smart.
 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.
Puttin' on the Ritz
Makes me think of Moxy Fruvous....a good thing.
 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.
 PeaceInIraq wrote:
 
 
That's a beautiful story. 
 
 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...
 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.
 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!!
Love it ;-) Thank you radio paradise!
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. 
Song sung by a pervert. Blah.
 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! :)

 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


that  was kind of a cute novelty song when first reelased and then covered... but you only needed to hear it once. 
The original is better by the Four Lads
so grateful that the horrible song, 5 American 6 Canadian, didn't appear...!
The Residents "Constantinople" might be a bit much even for RP.
 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.
{#Sunny}
 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}
Gotta love it! Haven't heard this in ages! Ranks up there with Moxy Fruvous.
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!
Just a wee bit different than The Residents "Constantinople" eh?
 membeth wrote:
There has been a sudden outbreak of dancing like an idiot in my office.
{#Bananajam}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananapiano}{#Dancingbanana}

 
Same here !!!!
 bm.deavenport613 wrote:

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

 
You have a dancing dog!?! Awesome!
There has been a sudden outbreak of dancing like an idiot in my office.
{#Bananajam}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananapiano}{#Dancingbanana}
 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!!!
I haven't heard this in so long and I love it! Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
 
Tuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurks...
The lyrics were written by Jimmy Kennedy in 1953. 

 
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.
Oops, PSD, see ya later! {#Motor}
ick, accordians - nasally vocals - pre Radio-free Europe kinda attitude  = dopey shit
 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
Never got these guys. 

They spend too much effort trying to sound "cheeky" and most of their songs suck.  
H-O-R-R-I-B-L-E....PSD
 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?   
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


{#Dancingbanana}{#Bananasplit}
Let the chair dancing commence....

                                  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.


 wgsu_1978 wrote:
More funny stuff like this please. Robin Williamson & His Merry Band? Dan Hicks?
 
Gasp: Flanders and Swann?
More funny stuff like this please. Robin Williamson & His Merry Band? Dan Hicks?
So much fun here, this would make any day better.
I love it
They Might be Giants with Squirrel Nut Zippers.  Maybe throw in Irene Cara.  That'd be a show...
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. 
Nobody's business but the Turks....
 
well, absolutely ACE. sunday night dancing in the kitchen {#Dancingbanana_2}
 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


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

 
The Four Lads originally recorded it in 1953:


So terrible and annoying 
 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!
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!
 LPCity wrote:
This song makes me smile and tap my feet every time it plays.

 
Me too! Such a happy, fun song.
This song makes me smile and tap my feet every time it plays.
hmm, Bette Midler did a version in '77 (and Bing Crosby + Ella Fitzgerald too!)

or this

 

https://youtu.be/G779UlpGQ3U


This is even more fun in this YouTube video, Hannah-Barbera style. This is such a fun song.
Does this song really deserve to be on RP... i have my doubts (catchy though)
This song is fun. How bitter is someone to give this song a one rating?
 richlister wrote:
F***king annoying.

 
You are! And this song is not.
 richlister wrote:
F***king annoying.

 
Never!
ughh
F***king annoying.

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


Just upgraded from 9 - 10. Love this album!
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}
 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.


Ya know, they just might be giants.


  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.
Hillarious
That earns a 10.......
An excellent selection that would be perfectly rounded out by following with Particle Man :)
Ouch !!
I think I dislocated my shoulder lunging for the PSD button , because even a split second of this crap is FAR too long . 
my 6-year-old and 8-year-old love this song!
and one day we might hear One Night In Bangkok after this.

That would be as they say in the construction trades ... tits ...
 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...
 
funky and cool
Please no, except maybe on Halloween.
Istanbul!  Istanbul!

Gotta love this song! 
This has been on high rotation on my own playlist lately.  Love it.......
 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.
I love how TMBG make no apologies for their music. It IS what it IS. Not Istanbul...or bull. Great stuff.
Cracks me up every time RP plays 'They Might Be Giants'!! {#Lol}
 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!
 
 treehugger wrote: 
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.

c-c-c-combo breaker!


{#Dancingbanana}
{#Bananapiano}
always fun
 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?
i might put this on my 8-year-olds ipod. He'll have to wear headphones though
Only listenable when drunk on very cheap beer. BUrrrrp.   {#Cheers}
{#Bananapiano}
 terrapin52 wrote:
Somebody's been reading Wikipedia.
 
This song was written long before there was even the slightest notion of Wikipedia.
 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.
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?
 gemtag wrote:
They might be weird Al
 
Except they didn't rewrite the lyrics to this one...

*bumping* one more notch...'cause the mrstuba really likes it!
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".

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!"

They might be weird Al
Somebody's been reading Wikipedia.
please, just make it stop.

catchy,yes.  good music, no.