Wrapped Around Your Finger

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Wrapped Around Your Finger" by The Police, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks vibing. This song, from the 1983 album Synchronicity, is a lyrical gem written by Sting, blending mystical and mythological imagery with a tale of power dynamics. In a 1983 interview with Rolling Stone, Sting revealed the song was inspired by his fascination with the idea of turning the tables on someone who holds power, like a mentor or lover, using the metaphor of a sorcerer’s apprentice gaining control. He described it as a "spiteful song about turning the tables on someone who had been in charge." The haunting melody and Stewart Copeland’s intricate percussion, especially the use of a glockenspiel, give it that hypnotic feel, which Sting called "a perfect piece of pop alchemy" in a 1993 Q Magazine interview.

Another cool tidbit comes from a 1984 BBC Radio 1 interview where Stewart Copeland shared that the band recorded the track in Montserrat at AIR Studios, where the tropical vibe and isolation helped them focus. The song’s music video, directed by Godley & Creme, is a visual trip, with Sting surrounded by candles in a minimalist set, symbolizing the song’s themes of control and mysticism. A post on The Police’s X account from June 30, 2024, highlighted a live performance of the song from the 1983 Synchronicity Concert, noting its "mesmerizing energy" that still captivates fans. Fans on the The Police Fans Facebook group often share how the song’s lyrics, like "I will turn your flesh to alabaster," hit them with their poetic depth, sparking debates about whether it’s about love, manipulation, or both.

The Police, formed in London in 1977, started as a trio of Sting (Gordon Sumner), Stewart Copeland, and Andy Summers, blending punk’s raw energy with reggae and jazz influences. Sting, a former schoolteacher, was playing in jazz bands in Newcastle when Copeland, a drummer with a diplomatic family background, spotted him and convinced him to form a punk-inspired band, as detailed in Copeland’s 2009 memoir Strange Things Happen. Andy Summers, a seasoned guitarist who’d played with acts like The Animals, joined later, bringing a textured sound that set them apart. Their early gigs in London’s punk scene, like at the Marquee Club, were rough but electric, with Sting’s charisma and the band’s tight chemistry winning over crowds. By 1978, their debut single "Roxanne" caught fire, launching them globally, as noted in a 2007 Billboard retrospective on their career.

The band’s official website, thepolice.com, is a treasure trove of tour archives, discography, and news, while their Facebook page keeps fans updated with throwback photos and concert clips. On Instagram, they share vibrant visuals, like album art and behind-the-scenes shots, engaging Zoo Freaks with nostalgic vibes. Their X account is active, posting about milestones like the 39th anniversary of "Wrapped Around Your Finger" on July 8, 2022. Fan communities thrive online, with The Police Official Fan Club offering exclusive merch and updates, and the The Police Fans Facebook group, where over 10,000 members swap stories, bootlegs, and trivia. Another fan site, policefans.org, dives deep into discographies and rare recordings, perfect for die-hard Zoo Freaks digging into the band’s legacy.