Istanbul (Not Constantinople)

The song 'Istanbul (Not Constantinople)' by They Might Be Giants is a playful and catchy tune that delves into the historical transformation of the city now known as Istanbul, which was once called Constantinople. The lyrics repeat the city's names, emphasizing the change and suggesting a sense of nostalgia for the past. The song doesn't provide a historical lesson but rather uses the city's name change as a metaphor for the inevitability of change and the passage of time.

The reference to 'Turkish delight on a moonlit night' evokes the exoticism and romance often associated with the city, contrasting the ancient past with the vibrant present. The song also draws a parallel with New York, formerly known as New Amsterdam, to highlight that such changes in names and identities of places are not uncommon and can happen for various reasons, often simply because 'people just liked it better that way.' This whimsical take on history reflects the band's style of infusing humor and quirkiness into their music.

The repeated line 'That's nobody's business but the Turks' serves as a humorous disclaimer, acknowledging that the reasons behind such changes are often complex and may not concern outsiders. The song's lighthearted approach to the subject matter allows listeners to reflect on the transient nature of cultural and historical identities without delving into the politics or the specifics of the transformation.