Wrapped Around Your Finger
Moon's Flag Lyrics
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Caught between the Scylla and Charibdes
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 turned into a shining band of gold.
I'll be wrapped around your finger.
I'll be wrapped around your finger
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.
I'll be wrapped around your finger.
I'll be wrapped around your finger
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'll find your servant is your master.
You'll be wrapped around my finger
You'll be wrapped around my finger
You'll be wrapped around my finger
The song "Wrapped Around Your Finger" by The Police, written by Sting, tells the story of a young apprentice who is fascinated and mesmerized by a powerful and manipulative figure that has complete control over their life. The metaphor of being caught between the Scylla and Charibdes, two sea monsters from Greek mythology that symbolize a difficult and dangerous situation, represents the apprentice's struggle to resist their mentor's influence. The ring around their finger represents the power that this figure holds over the apprentice, as well as a symbol of their attachment and dependency on them.
The lyrics also suggest that the mentor has led the apprentice astray from their previous path, tempting them with the promise of knowledge and power that they couldn't have gained otherwise. The imagery of the destiny they sold turning into a shining band of gold suggests that the mentor's offer was alluring and valuable, but ultimately deceptive.
As the song progresses, the power dynamic between the mentor and the apprentice shifts. The apprentice claims that they will "listen hard to your tuition" and "see it come to its fruition," implying that they will use what they have learned to their own advantage. They also vow to turn the mentor's face to alabaster, a reference to a Greek myth where a woman turns her lover's face to stone, symbolizing the apprentice's desire to take control of their own life and turn the tables on their mentor.
The last few lines of the song show that the power dynamic has indeed shifted, as the apprentice claims that the mentor will now be "wrapped around my finger." The repetition of this phrase reinforces the new power balance and suggests that the apprentice has become the one in control.
Line by Line Meaning
You consider me the young apprentice
You perceive me as inexperienced and naive
Caught between the Scylla and Charibdes
Trapped between two equally difficult choices or situations
Hypnotized by you if I should linger
I am captivated by you, especially if I stay close to you
Staring at the ring around your finger.
I am intrigued by the symbol of your commitment to someone else
I have only come here seeking knowledge,
I am here to gain insight and wisdom
Things they would not teach me of in college.
I am interested in learning about things beyond academic institutions
I can see the destiny you sold turned into a shining band of gold.
I can recognize that the path you offered led to riches and success
I'll be wrapped around your finger.
I will be under your influence and control
Mephistopheles is not your name
You are not a devil, but I am cognizant of your true intentions
I know what you're up to just the same
I am aware of what you are planning, nonetheless
I will listen hard to your tuition,
I will pay close attention to your teachings and advice
You will see it come to its fruition.
You will witness my accomplishments and success based on what you taught me
Devil and the deep blue sea behind me,
I am past the point of making a difficult decision
Vanish in the air you'll never find me.
I will disappear without a trace, out of your reach
I will turn your face to alabaster,
I will shock you to the point of turning as white as alabaster
When you'll find your servant is your master.
You will realize that the one you thought was under your control has taken the reins
You'll be wrapped around my finger
You will be under my influence and control
You'll be wrapped around my finger
You will be under my influence and control
You'll be wrapped around my finger
You will be under my influence and control
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GORDON SUMNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind