Istanbul

When I stepped off the plane at Yesilkoy

I was just a boy with a plan.

By the time I left Istanbul

I was a full grown man.

I wore my youth like a brand-new coat.

There's a lot I didn't understand.

I wanted to learn what life could teach.

Far away from my homeland.

Oh, Istanbul, Istanbul,

You're still a part of me.

Somewhere between the East and West,

I became who I would be.

The streets had stories I didn't know,

Nights had lessons of their own.

Some dreams took flight from Galata Bridge,

Some paths were walked alone.

Oh, Istanbul, Istanbul,

You're still a part of me.

Somewhere between the East and West,

I became who I would be.

There were nights of discovery,

And desires I couldn't name.

I learned that wanting someone

And loving them is not the same.

I often wonder whether I won or lost,

Or what I had to pay.

But the boy with a head full of dreams

Didn't leave there the same way.

Oh, Istanbul, Istanbul,

You're still a part of me.

Somewhere between the East and West,

I became who I would be.

There were pleasures and surprises.

There were things I had to learn.

Some memories still bring a smile,

Some lessons still return.

Oh, Istanbul, Istanbul,

You're still a part of me.

You opened up a new world

And changed the man I would be.

Oh, Istanbul, Istanbul.

You taught me things about myself

I thought beyond my command.

By the time I left Istanbul,

I was a full-grown man.

I was a full-grown man.