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Istanbul Not Constantinople

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Istanbul:Four Lads.
#10 on BB Hot 100 Pop on
COLUMBIA Records in 1953.
INTRO:   Fm   Gb   C   Fm   Gb  Fm  
#1.
FmIstanCbul was FmConstantinople, now it's IstanCbul 
not FmConstantinople.
Been a Clong time gone, old Constantinople's still 
has FTurkish delight on a Bbmmoonlit Fmnight.
#2.
FmEvery gal in ConstantCinople is a FmMiss-stanbul, not 
Constantinople.
So, if Cyou've a date in Constantinople, she'll be 
Fwaiting in CIstanFmbul.
BRIDGE:
FmEven old GmNew AbYork was Dbonce CNew AmsterFmdam..Dbwhy they 
changed it, CI can't say..Fpeople just Bbliked it Cbetter 
that way.
#3.
FmTake me Fback to DbConstantinFmople, no, you can't go Cback 
to FmConstantinCople.
CNow, it's Istanbul, not Constantinople..why did FConstantinople 
get the Cworks?
CThat's nobody's business but the FmTurks.
INTERLUDE:  Fm   Gb   Fm  Gb  
FmDoo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-Cdoo-doo-doo-doo-doo..FmIstanbul!!
FmDoo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-Cdoo-doo-doo-doo-doo..FmIstanbul!!
BRIDGE:
FmEven old GmNew AbYork was Dbonce CNew AmsterFmdam..Dbwhy they 
changed it, CI can't say..Fpeople just Bbliked it Cbetter 
that way.
#4.
FmTake me Fback to DbConstantinFmople, no, you can't go Cback 
to FmConstantinCople.
CNow, it's Istanbul, not Constantinople..why did FConstantinople 
get the Cworks?
CThat's nobody's business but the FmTurks.
OUTRO:
FIstanbul!!!
A fifties smash from Kraziekhat.

All chords in this song (9)

The story behind the song

This playful song celebrates the simple, amusing fact that the ancient city of Constantinople officially became Istanbul. Written in 1953, it humorously points out the change, inviting you to imagine the "Turkish delight on a moonlit night" in its new incarnation. The Four Lads, a Canadian vocal quartet, brought this lighthearted tune to life, making it their first gold record. It's a song that finds joy in transformation, reminding us that even "old New York was once New Amsterdam."

AI-written from these sources:Istanbul (Not Constantinople) — Wikipedia ↗The Four Larks (Philadelphia group) — Wikipedia ↗

Story time

Istanbul Not Constantinople

Istanbul Not Constantinople

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Istanbul Not Constantinople

by The Four Lads

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

Bbm

Istanbul:Four Lads.

#10 on BB Hot 100 Pop on

COLUMBIA Records in 1953.

Fm Gb C Fm Gb Fm

INTRO:

#1.

Fm C Fm C

Istanbul was Constantinople, now it's Istanbul

not Constantinople.

Been a long time gone, old Constantinople's still

F Bbm Fm

has Turkish delight on a moonlit night.

#2.

Fm C Fm

Every gal in Constantinople is a Miss-stanbul, not

Constantinople.

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

F C Fm

waiting in Istanbul.

BRIDGE:

Fm Gm Ab Db C Fm Db

Even old New York was once New Amsterdam..why they

C F Bb C

changed it, I can't say..people just liked it better

that way.

#3.

Fm F Db Fm C

Take me back to Constantinople, no, you can't go back

Fm C

to Constantinople.

C F

Now, it's Istanbul, not Constantinople..why did Constantinople

get the works?

C Fm

That's nobody's business but the Turks.

Fm Gb Fm Gb

INTERLUDE:

Fm C Fm

Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo..Istanbul!!

Fm C Fm

Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo..Istanbul!!

BRIDGE:

Fm Gm Ab Db C Fm Db

Even old New York was once New Amsterdam..why they

C F Bb C

changed it, I can't say..people just liked it better

that way.

#4.

Fm F Db Fm C

Take me back to Constantinople, no, you can't go back

Fm C

to Constantinople.

C F

Now, it's Istanbul, not Constantinople..why did Constantinople

get the works?

C Fm

That's nobody's business but the Turks.

OUTRO:

Istanbul!!!

A fifties smash from Kraziekhat.

About Istanbul Not Constantinople Chords by The Four Lads

Learn how to play Istanbul Not Constantinople by The Four Lads with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Istanbul Not Constantinople chords”, “Istanbul Not Constantinople guitar chords”, or “The Four Lads 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, Gb, C, F, Bbm, Gm.

FAQ — Istanbul Not Constantinople by The Four Lads

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