Istanbul
Ella Fitzgerald · Other Songs - Ella Fitzgerald
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
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
Istanbul
Ella Fitzgerald's rendition of 'Istanbul' stands as a testament to her unparalleled command of the Great American Songbook. Known for her crystalline tone and impeccable phrasing, Fitzgerald approached this standard with the same elegance she brought to her extensive discography of jazz and pop standards. The recording captures her ability to imbue familiar melodies with fresh emotional depth, showcasing the versatility that defined her career. While often associated with her later work, this performance highlights the timeless quality of her artistry, bridging the gap between swing-era sophistication and the evolving sounds of mid-century vocal jazz. Fitzgerald's interpretation remains a definitive version, celebrated for its warmth and technical precision.