No, you can't go back to Constantinople
Been a long time gone, Constantinople
Istanbul was Constantinople
That's nobody's business but the Turks
Been a long time gone, Constantinople

Even old New York was once New Amsterdam
That's nobody's business but the Turks

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

So take me back to Constantinople
Lives in Istanbul, not Constantinople
Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople
Istanbul

Why did Constantinople get the works?

So take me back to Constantinople
Now it's Turkish delight on a moonlit night
Been a long time gone, Constantinople

Why did Constantinople get the works?
Every gal in Constantinople
She'll be waiting in Istanbul
Been a long time gone, Constantinople
No, you can't go back to Constantinople
Istanbul, Istanbul
So if you've a date in Constantinople
Why did Constantinople get the works?

Even old New York was once New Amsterdam
Istanbul, Istanbul
That's nobody's business but the Turks