Justin Timberlake's song "What Goes Around... Comes Around" is a psychedelic pop and sophisti-pop ballad from his 2006 album FutureSex/LoveSounds. It was released as the third single in early 2007 and became one of the album's most successful tracks, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving top ten positions internationally, including the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, and Australia. The song won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 50th Grammy Awards and was also nominated for Record of the Year
. Musically, the song is composed in A Dorian (A minor) with a slow tempo of 76 beats per minute. It features Turkish folk instruments like bağlama and oud, which add a unique texture to the melody. The track includes a notable two-minute interlude called "Comes Around," produced by Timbaland, who also provides backing vocals
. Lyrically, "What Goes Around... Comes Around" deals with themes of betrayal and forgiveness. Although many fans speculated that it was a sequel to Timberlake's earlier hit "Cry Me a River" and related to his past relationship with Britney Spears, Timberlake has stated that the song was inspired by a friend's experience. The lyrics narrate heartbreak and the idea that actions have consequences, encapsulated in the refrain:
"What goes around, goes around, goes around
Comes all the way back around"
The music video, directed by Nick Cassavetes and released in February 2007, features actress Scarlett Johansson as Timberlake's love interest. It depicts a dramatic story of infidelity and tragedy, culminating in a fatal car accident. The video won Best Direction at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards and was nominated for Video of the Year
. In summary, "What Goes Around... Comes Around" is a critically acclaimed and commercially successful song by Justin Timberlake that blends emotional storytelling with sophisticated production and has become one of his signature hits.
