Hungry for You (J’Aurais Toujours Faim de Toil)

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Hungry for You (J’Aurais Toujours Faim de Toi)" by The Police from their 1981 album Ghost in the Machine, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this sultry, French-infused track. One juicy piece of trivia comes from a 1981 concert in Gateshead, where Sting introduced the song with a cheeky declaration that it’s about “fucking,” revealing its raw, passionate undertones. The song’s lyrics, mostly in French, mark a bold departure from the band’s earlier reggae-punk roots, showcasing their evolving pop and experimental sound. Fans on SongMeanings have debated the French grammar, noting Sting’s use of “j’aurais” (conditional tense) might suggest a nuanced longing, though some argue it should be “j’aurai” for “I will always be hungry for you.” Others have poked fun at Sting’s French pronunciation, with critic George Starostin calling it “hideous” but admitting the song’s energy still “kicks plenty much ass.”

Another tidbit from PoliceWiki reveals the song’s evolution: Sting’s original demo was a four-minute instrumental, and an early mix from AIR Studios lacked Andy Summers’ funky guitar, which became a defining element in the final version. The track also features unique production choices, like Stewart Copeland’s bass drum and hi-hat opening, with ride cymbal and rim click overdubs adding texture. Fans on LyricsJonk have shared personal stories, with one recalling buying Ghost in the Machine as their first CD, while another claimed Sting wrote the song for his lover Trudie Styler while still married, adding a layer of scandalous intrigue to its lustful lyrics.

The Police formed in London in 1977, a trio of Sting (vocals, bass), Stewart Copeland (drums), and Andy Summers (guitar). Their origin story begins with Copeland, an American drummer, meeting Sting, a jazz-loving bassist and singer, in the punk scene. Copeland was playing with progressive rock band Curved Air, but punk’s raw energy inspired him to form a new group. Sting, then a teacher and part-time musician, joined after a chance encounter in Newcastle. They recruited Summers, a seasoned guitarist who’d played with Soft Machine and The Animals, to replace their original guitarist. The trio’s early days were scrappy, playing small gigs and dyeing their hair blond for a chewing gum commercial to fund their first single, “Roxanne.” Their blend of punk, reggae, and pop caught attention, and by 1978, their debut album Outlandos d’Amour launched them to fame with hits like “Roxanne” and “Can’t Stand Losing You.”

The band’s official website, www.thepolice.com, offers a deep dive into their discography and history. You can follow their legacy on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they share throwback photos, tour memories, and updates on re-releases. Fans gather on sites like PoliceWiki, a treasure trove of detailed song and album info, and The Police Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can connect with others to discuss favorite tracks and share concert stories. These platforms keep the band’s spirit alive, even after their 2008 reunion tour marked their final chapter together.