The Meaning Behind “Wrapped Around Your Finger” by The Police and an Epic Tale of Revenge

The Police dropped “Wrapped Around Your Finger” as a single in 1983. It was one of many hits appearing on the trio’s colossal final studio album, Synchronicity. Together, Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland had become the world’s biggest rock band before inner turmoil led to a bitter breakup.

“Wrapped Around Your Finger” features a different type of bitter relationship. And the spiteful tune uses mythology and folklore to tell an epic tale of sweet revenge.

The Young Apprentice

We begin with Sting as a young apprentice who, much like Odysseus, must navigate danger from all sides. He mentions the sea monsters from The Odyssey that block a narrow strait Odysseus must pass in Homer’s epic.

Still, the eager apprentice is impressed by his wise and successful mentor and seeks more knowledge and future wealth.

You consider me the young apprentice,
Caught between the Scylla and Charybdis.
Hypnotized by you if I should linger,
Staring at the ring around your finger.

I have only come here seeking knowledge,
Things they would not teach me of in college.
I can see the destiny you sold,
Turn into a shining band of gold.

However, Sting becomes aware of his mentor’s deception. His teacher may not be a Faustian devil, but Sting suspects cynical motives. For now, he’ll absorb his mentor’s lessons. Then use the knowledge as a weapon against him.

Mephistopheles is not your name,
I know what you’re up to just the same.
I will listen hard to your tuition,
You will see it come to its fruition.

The Tide Turns

Finally, the apprentice avoids danger and disappears. When he returns, the balance of power shifts, and the servant becomes the master.

Devil and the deep blue sea behind me,
Vanish in the air, you’ll never find me.
I will turn your face to alabaster,
When you find your servant is your master.

The track’s ominous verse groove sets up a hopeful chorus. Though the student has been plotting revenge against his overbearing teacher, “Wrapped Around Your Finger” may be a useful metaphor for overcoming difficult situations—even when a pair of sea monsters or a cunning devil aren’t involved.

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