Deep in a forgotten desert
Leagues 'way from the crowded strand
Legends of long dead kingdoms
Lost in desert sand

Legends of mighty nations
Minarets reaching to the sky
Now dust in the hands of Allah
Like the kingdom of Stamboul

CHORUS:
Stamboul, Stamboul
The legend and the glory of Stamboul

Stamboul, Stamboul
The legend and the glory of Stamboul

Stamboul!
Mightier than Baghdad
Ruled o'er by a godlike shah father of a dainty princess
Sweet girl they call Nazah

Toast of the desert chieftains
Coveted by a thousand men
Glory of the pride of Allah
The kingdom of Stamboul

CHORUS

'Twas nearing Nazah's sixteenth birthday
Suitors from every land
Merchants and dazzling princes
Came seeking Nazah's hand

Innocent, with eyes to heaven
Wondering at the courtyard's blare
Not knowing she was to marry for the glory of Stamboul

CHORUS

Deep in a forgotten desert.