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Istanbul Not Constantinople

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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams

Uploaded from tmbw.net
The wrong chords were posted here before, about 2 whole steps higher than normal. 
After watching the JBTV performance after John Henry came out. I'm sure these are 
the right chords.
[Each chord is one measure, except "X - Y" is one measure TOTAL. ]
FmIstanbul was FmConstantinople, now it's FmIstanbul, not FmConstantinople
Been a C7long time gone, old C7Constantinople
            Fm-             Dm    Dm-   Fm  
Now it's Turkish delight on a moonlit night
FmEvery gal in FmConstantinople lives in FmIstanbul, not FmConstantinople
                     C7                          C7      Fm-        C7  Fm  
So if you've a date in Constantinople, she'll be waiting in Istanbul
Even Fmold New FmYork was Fmonce New AmsterFmdam
Why they changed it C7I can't say, Fmpeople just liked it C7better that way
So Fmtake me back to FmConstantinople, no you Fmcan't go back to FmConstantinople
Now it's C7Istanbul, not C7Constantinople, why did FmConstantinople get the Fmworks?
That's C7nobody's business but the FmTurks

All chords in this song (3)

The story behind the song

This song humorously addresses the official renaming of the city of Constantinople to Istanbul, written on the 500th anniversary of the city's fall. It plays as a novelty song, poking fun at the change with its distinctive lyrics. They Might Be Giants famously covered this song, bringing their own alternative rock style to its playful spirit. At its heart, it's a whimsical tune that invites you to embrace the absurdity of historical change.

AI-written from these sources:Istanbul (Not Constantinople) — Wikipedia ↗They Might Be Giants — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

🎸 Tips from players

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Istanbul Not Constantinople

by They Might Be Giants

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

Uploaded from tmbw.net

The wrong chords were posted here before, about 2 whole steps higher than normal.

After watching the JBTV performance after John Henry came out. I'm sure these are

the right chords.

[Each chord is one measure, except "X - Y" is one measure TOTAL. ]

Fm Fm Fm Fm

Istanbul was Constantinople, now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople

C7 C7

Been a long time gone, old Constantinople

Fm Dm Dm Fm

- -

Now it's Turkish delight on a moonlit night

Fm Fm Fm Fm

Every gal in Constantinople lives in Istanbul, not Constantinople

C7 C7 Fm C7 Fm

So if you've a date in Constantinople, she'll be waiting in Istanbul

Fm Fm Fm Fm

Even old New York was once New Amsterdam

C7 Fm C7

Why they changed it I can't say, people just liked it better that way

Fm Fm Fm Fm

So take me back to Constantinople, no you can't go back to Constantinople

C7 C7 Fm Fm

Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople, why did Constantinople get the works?

C7 Fm

That's nobody's business but the Turks

About Istanbul Not Constantinople Chords by They Might Be Giants

Learn how to play Istanbul Not Constantinople by They Might Be Giants with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Istanbul Not Constantinople chords”, “Istanbul Not Constantinople guitar chords”, or “They Might Be Giants Istanbul Not Constantinople chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Istanbul Not Constantinople chords and for experienced players who want accurate Istanbul Not Constantinople lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Fm, C7, Dm.

FAQ — Istanbul Not Constantinople by They Might Be Giants

How do I play "Istanbul Not Constantinople" by They Might Be Giants on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Istanbul Not Constantinople" by They Might Be Giants on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "Istanbul Not Constantinople" by They Might Be Giants free?

Yes. The chords for "Istanbul Not Constantinople" by They Might Be Giants are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Istanbul Not Constantinople" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Istanbul Not Constantinople" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Istanbul Not Constantinople"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Istanbul Not Constantinople" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Istanbul Not Constantinople" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Istanbul Not Constantinople" by They Might Be Giants with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by They Might Be Giants below.

What key is "Istanbul Not Constantinople" in?

The chords for "Istanbul Not Constantinople" show the original chord names (including Fm, C7, Dm). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.