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What Goes Around... Comes Around
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"What Goes Around... Comes Around"
Timberlake sitting on a chair
Single by Justin Timberlake
from the album FutureSex/LoveSounds
B-side"Boutique in Heaven"
ReleasedDecember 19, 2006 (2006-12-19)
Studio
Genre
Length
  • 7:29 (album version)
  • 5:13 (radio edit)
Label
Songwriters
Producers
Justin Timberlake singles chronology
"Dick in a Box"
(2006) 		"What Goes Around... Comes Around"
(2006) 		"Give It to Me"
(2007)
Music video
"What Goes Around... Comes Around" on YouTube

"What Goes Around.../...Comes Around (Interlude)" is a song by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake from his second studio album, FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006). It was written and produced by Timberlake, Timbaland, and Danja. The song was said by Timberlake to be about betrayal and forgiveness, and was described by some music critics as a psychedelic pop and sophisti-pop "sequel" to his 2002 single "Cry Me a River". The song received generally positive reviews from music critics.

The song was retitled "What Goes Around... Comes Around" for its December 19, 2006, release as the third single from FutureSex/LoveSounds. It became Timberlake's third consecutive number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Internationally the song was also successful, reaching the top ten in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, and Australia. The song was later certified two-times platinum in Australia, gold in the United States and gold in New Zealand. The song won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 50th Grammy Awards, where it also received a nomination for Record of the Year.

The Samuel Bayer-directed music video for "What Goes Around... Comes Around" was released February 7, 2007. Actress Scarlett Johansson plays Timberlake's love interest in the video. The video received the award for Best Direction at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards and was also nominated for Video of the Year.

Background

[edit]

When Timberlake began working on FutureSex/LoveSounds at Timbaland's studio in Virginia Beach, Virginia,[1][2] they had no idea of what the album would be like with no plan for it or even a title.[2] He told his collaborators to do a remake of his previous single, "Cry Me a River".[2] Danja, a protégé of Timbaland, stated: "We had no direction at all other than 'Cry Me a River,' and not in the sense of mimicking the track, but in how big the song was. There was no direction for how he wanted the song to sound, because there was no direction for how he wanted [his album FutureSex/LoveSounds] to sound."[2]

The song was written and produced by Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, and Nate "Danja" Hills. While in the studio, the three men were just "fooling around" and "freestyling".[2] When Danja began playing a guitar riff, it caught Timberlake's attention. Timberlake started humming to the melody, and then the lyrics came. Timbaland, who was at his keyboards beside Danja, added drums to the melody. Danja commented that "everything was coming together at the same time".[2] After coming up with the music, Timberlake never wrote down the lyrics and, in an hour, he was ready to record it. By the time Timberlake was in the vocal booth, the basic track was done, then Timbaland produced a prelude of the song. Timberlake sang the song in a couple of takes and went back line by line to fill up the gaps. During the recording sessions, Timbaland and Danja added everything else, including the basses and strings. Danja compared the process to scoring to a movie, thinking the song was like a horror flick.[2]

"What Goes Around... Comes Around" was pivotal to the creation of FutureSex/LoveSounds. After finishing the production of the song, Timbaland teased Timberlake. Timberlake responded: "Let's do something we would never do. Let's go far left and just see what happens."[2] His answer motivated the collective, and they ended up producing ten songs for the album.[1]

Composition and interpretation

[edit]

"What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" is a psychedelic pop and sophisti-pop ballad performed in a slow manner.[3][4] It is composed in the key of A Dorian (A Minor) in common time. With a gentle and midtempo beat,[5] the tempo is pacing to 76 beats per minute.[3] The song features a two-minute interlude titled "Comes Around", featuring the album's producer Timbaland, spanning to a seven-minute and 28-second track. Timberlake's voice ranges from B2 to C5.[3] Musically, the song is similar to the type of music produced on Timberlake's Justified album; however, it is the only link from FutureSex/LoveSounds to Justified.[6]

In the beginning of the song, there is a five-second harmony line of two bağlamas (one each panned far left and far right on respect octaves), a Turkish folk instrument. The beat is then changed to a more upbeat version of the same melody with more percussion. The basic ornamentation is loyal to characteristic Turkish string ornamentations. Timbaland also used the Turkish oud to mellow out the guitar riff.[2] The chord series follows the Am-C-G-D keys. Following the instrumental, Timberlake begins the verse at thirteenth bar. The original track had a bridge, including the pre-verses, the verses and the choruses. After hearing the vocals of Timberlake, they decided to remove the bridge and follow a simple flow, because they felt it's "too much" to have it and a break at the end of the song.[2] Timbaland provides backing vocals on the song.

"What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" is about betrayal and forgiveness.[7] Timberlake revealed that the song was written for the experience his friend went through.[6] Many began to suspect that the song was about Elisha Cuthbert, who had been in a relationship with Timberlake's best friend. However, others came up with a different interpretation of the lyrics, that being a sequel to "Cry Me A River". Bill Lamb wrote that the song has a "cautionary tale in the lyrics".[5] According to him, many fans and critics alike, after hearing the song, insisted that it is similar in meaning to "Cry Me a River", which allegedly accounts to Timberlake's relationship with former girlfriend, pop singer Britney Spears.[5] However, Timberlake's account of the song's meaning contradicts this. Spence D. of IGN commented that the song presents "some intriguing ambiance".[8]

Critical reception

[edit]

"With an instantly recognizable introduction, Timberlake teaches a master class on consequences."

— VH1's Emily Exton in 2013.[9]

The song received generally positive reviews from critics. Rolling Stone called the single "a soaring ballad featuring Timberlake's falsetto, with verses and choruses that pile on top of one another with dizzying effect."[10] About.com reviewer Bill Lamb stated that the song "is one of the most gorgeous pop melodies of the year." He complimented the string-based arrangement of the song.[5] Chris Willman of Entertainment Weekly called it "superior", along with "LoveStoned".[11] Zach Baron of Pitchfork Media referred to it "some real can't-let-go shit that'll save you the repeat stabs on the bad night."[12] Spence D. of IGN called it "annoying" but he complimented the use of echo vocals and swirling synths.[8]

In later reviews, Billboard's Katie Atkinson noted "with a whopping 7:28 running time, it was a very long single. But there are a lot of great pieces to this too-big puzzle."[13] Complex staff described it as "smooth, velvety and self-assured" track, noting the singer "is not guessing that his cheating ex will be punished for her transgression—he's sure she will be."[14] Idolator staff stated, "This track is also probably what influenced many of Taylor Swift kiss-off ballad in the years to come."[15]

"What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" placed at number 24 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007.[16] The song was nominated twice at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, winning Best Male Pop Vocal Performance but lost to Amy Winehouse's "Rehab" for Record of the Year.[17]

Commercial performance

[edit]

"What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" was commercially successful in the United States. The single debuted at number 64 on December 23, 2006, on the Billboard Hot 100, prior to its physical release.[18] From number eight on February 24, 2007,[19] it propelled to number one the following week. "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" became Timberlake's third consecutive number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 from his FutureSex/LoveSounds album, becoming the first male artist since Usher in 2004 to have three or more consecutive number-one hits from one album.[20] The single charted on Hot 100 for 25 weeks.[21] "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America on June 7, 2007.[22] By September 3, 2010, the song had passed the two million sales plateau,[23] and has sold 2,375,000 copies as of April 2013.[24] As of 2018, the song has accumulated 3.5 million units in the US, combining sales (2.8 million copies) and equivalent streams.[25][26]

In the United Kingdom, "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" debuted at number 59 on the UK Singles Chart on January 28, 2007.[27] The digital download sales helped propel the single to number 11 on February 25, 2007.[28] "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" peaked at number four on March 11,[29] to become his sixth top five single in the United Kingdom. It stayed on the chart for 22 weeks.[21] The single entered the top five in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Romania (where it reached number one) and Switzerland.[21] In Australia, the single debuted and peaked at number three on the Australian ARIA singles chart on March 26, 2007, gaining the Highest Debut certification.[30] It spent a total of 22 weeks on the chart.[21] "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" was certified two-times platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association for selling over 30,000 units.[31] The single peaked at number three in the New Zealand on April 9, 2007, and spent 16 weeks on the chart.[21][32] "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand.[33]

Music video

[edit]

Development

[edit]
A close up of a smiling young woman, her blonde hair pulled back, wearing a silver tiara, silver earrings and a black cowl-necked coat. She is standing outside in bright sunlight.
Director Samuel Bayer and Timberlake chose American actress Scarlett Johansson after deciding on using "real" actors for the music video to "What Goes Around... Comes Around".[34]

The music video for the "What Goes Around... Comes Around" was produced as a short movie.[34][35] The video was directed by Samuel Bayer, who had first directorial works with Nirvana's 1991 single "Smells Like Teen Spirit".[34][35] The video features dialogues written by Alpha Dog writer and director Nick Cassavetes, who had previously worked with Timberlake in the film.[34][35] Timberlake and Bayer enlisted American actress Scarlett Johansson after deciding on using "real" actors.[34] The shooting went for three days between Christmas and New Year's Eve 2006 in Los Angeles.[34] The dawn scene was shot on January 8, after the original sessions were done.[34]

Synopsis

[edit]

The video starts off with Timberlake flirting with Johansson on the burlesque-style club. She rejects with a tease at first but eventually leaves with him to go back to his place. In between cuts, they are shown in bed caressing each other. Johansson jumps into a pool outside the house, and floats below the surface as if she is drowning. Timberlake runs out and pulls her up; she laughs at Timberlake and kisses him.[36]

In another scene, Timberlake introduces her to a drunk Shawn Hatosy at the club calling her "The One". Hatosy seems to be interested in Johansson and Timberlake asks him to "keep an eye on her for me", perhaps suspecting she has another man on the side. Timberlake returns and finds them kissing in the stairway. After punching Hatosy, he chases after Johansson, who speeds off in her 1967 Corvette Sting Ray; Timberlake follows in his Porsche Carrera GT. Johansson runs into a fiery car crash pile up and is ejected from the car as it tumbles through the air and lands several feet away twice. Timberlake notices Johansson's motionless body lying supine on the ground. He gets out and kneels over her while the camera view moves toward the sky. The end of the video references the ending of 1960 movie BUtterfield 8 in which Gloria, the main character portrayed by Elizabeth Taylor, dies in the same manner, with the scenes sharing many similar shots.[36]

Some scenes shows Timberlake performing on the stairway with a microphone while a group of unknown girls with red paint on their eyes are seen dancing next to him while one (Johansson) is seen waving her batons with fire on them near the end of the video.[36]

Release and reception

[edit]

The music video of "What Goes Around... Comes Around" was exclusively premiered on February 9, 2007, on the iTunes Store.[37] The music video debuted on MTV's Total Request Live at number nine on February 13, 2007.[38] "What Goes Around..." retired on May 7 at number seven.[39] In Canada, the music video debuted on Muchmusic's Top 30 countdown at number 22 on January 26, 2007.[40] It peaked at number one on April 27 and stayed on the chart for seven non-consecutive weeks.[40] The video was commercially successful, becoming the fastest selling pop promo on iTunes.[41] It has sold 50,000 in downloads for four days.[41][42] Timberlake was the first major artist to release a video on the download platform.[41]

In September 2007, "What Goes Around... Comes Around" won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Direction.[43] It was also nominated for Video of the Year but lost to singer Rihanna's 2007 video "Umbrella".[43][44]

The music video on YouTube has received over 493 million views as of April 2025.[45]

Live performances

[edit]

Timberlake performed the song on Saturday Night Live.[46] Timberlake performed twice at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards, once at the piano for "What Goes Around Comes Around" and later "My Love" and Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine."[47] The song is featured on the set list of The FutureSex/LoveShow (2007), Legends of the Summer Stadium Tour with rapper Jay-Z (2013), The 20/20 Experience World Tour (2013/14), The Man of the Woods Tour (2018/19) and The Forget Tomorrow World Tour (2024/25). Timberlake performed the song along with Shawn Mendes at the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Festival.[48] He also performed it at a NPR Tiny Desk Concert on March 15, 2024.

Cover versions

[edit]

On May 23, 2007, Marilyn Manson and Tim Skold appeared on UK radio station BBC Radio 1's program Live Lounge to promote Marilyn Manson's 2007 album Eat Me, Drink Me. They performed an acoustic version of "Heart-Shaped Glasses (When the Heart Guides the Hand)", followed with an acoustic cover of "What Goes Around... Comes Around". The Manson cover does not include the interlude.[49]

On May 28, 2007, Dutch singer Esmée Denters posted a version of the song on YouTube accompanied by Justin Timberlake on piano and backing vocals. At the conclusion, he says, "She sings my song better than me." Timberlake later produced Denters' debut album, Outta Here.[50] French singer Myriam Abel, the winner of Nouvelle Star 3, also recorded a non-commercial cover of "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" with a Raï influence, accessible through her official MySpace page.[51][non-primary source needed] An a cappella rendition was recorded by Overboard for their 2007 album, Stranded.

American post-hardcore band Alesana recorded a cover for the Punk Goes... compilation series, Punk Goes Pop 2, released March 10, 2009.

Taylor Swift performed a mashup of "You're Not Sorry" and "What Goes Around... Comes Around" during her Fearless Tour (2009–10).[52]

On April 7, 2011, Pitbull's artist Jamie Drastik heavily sampled the song on his track "Let's Be Clear" which is included on Champagne And Cocaine.[53] Benny Davis, of the Australian musical comedy act The Axis of Awesome, also heavily sampled the song on his track "Another Four Chords" on The Human Jukebox EP, released in 2013.

Track listings

[edit]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits are adapted from the FutureSex/LoveSounds booklet.[54]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications and sales for "What Goes Around... Comes Around"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[119] 2× Platinum 140,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[120] Diamond 250,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[121] Platinum 40,000*
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[122] Gold 4,000^
Germany (BVMI)[123] Platinum 300,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[124] Gold 25,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[125] 2× Platinum 60,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[126] Platinum 600,000‡
United States (RIAA)[127] Platinum 2,800,000[26]
Mastertone/Ringtone
Canada (Music Canada)[128] Gold 20,000*
United States (RIAA)[127] Gold 500,000*
Streaming
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[129] Gold 900,000†

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
† Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for "What Goes Around... Comes Around"
Region Date Format Label Ref.
United States December 19, 2006 Digital download (radio edit) Jive [130]
France January 2, 2007 Sony [131]
United States January 8, 2007 Contemporary hit radio Jive [132]
Rhythmic radio [132]
February 27, 2007 Digital download (The Remixes) [133]
United Kingdom March 5, 2007 CD single RCA [134]
Germany March 7, 2007 Sony [135]
France March 12, 2007 Digital download (EP) [136]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

What Goes Around... Comes Around

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"What Goes Around... Comes Around" is a song by American singer and songwriter , serving as the sixth track on his second studio album, FutureSex/LoveSounds, which was released on September 8, 2006, by and Zomba Label Group. Co-written by Timberlake alongside producers (Timothy Mosley) and Danja (Nate Hills), and produced by Timbaland and Danja, the song runs for 7:28 in its full album version, which includes an interlude. Recorded at Thomas Crown Studio in , and featuring string arrangements by Larry Gold, it blends pop, R&B, and electronic music with a mid-tempo beat driven by keyboards and drums. The lyrics explore themes of karmic retribution and the consequences of in a romantic relationship, serving as a thematic sequel to Timberlake's earlier hit "Cry Me a River." Released as the album's third single in late 2006, with a version shortened to 5:13, it achieved significant commercial success, topping the chart for one week on March 3, 2007, marking Timberlake's third number-one single from FutureSex/LoveSounds. The track also reached number one in the United States and , and peaked within the top ten in numerous other markets worldwide, including (#3), contributing to the album's global sales exceeding 10 million copies. The song's music video, directed by Samuel Bayer and premiered on February 3, 2007, was conceptualized as a short film lasting over 9 minutes and stars Scarlett Johansson as Timberlake's on-screen girlfriend. Set against a backdrop of opulent parties and dramatic confrontations, the video narrates a story of love, betrayal, and fatal revenge, drawing inspiration from films like Match Point and Fatal Attraction. It received critical acclaim for its cinematic quality, with Timberlake winning Male Artist of the Year and the video winning Best Cinematography and Best Editing at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, and has amassed over 500 million views on YouTube as of 2025.

Creation and Production

Background and Inspiration

The song "What Goes Around... Comes Around" was conceived in 2006 during the recording sessions for Justin Timberlake's second studio album, FutureSex/LoveSounds, which explored themes of love, lust, and relationships through innovative pop and R&B production. Drawing from Timberlake's personal encounters with betrayal—particularly the infidelity experienced by his close friend and business partner Trace Ayala in his breakup with actress —the track embodies karmic retribution as a central motif. This narrative of relational fallout links directly to Timberlake's earlier single "Cry Me a River" from his 2002 debut album Justified, where he similarly processed themes of deception and emotional fallout from a high-profile romance. The song emerged spontaneously during a late-night at 's studio, where producers and Danja (Nate "Danja" Hills) were experimenting with beats and loops. Danja initiated the track by playing a guitar on a keyboard, which immediately captured Timberlake's interest; from there, Timberlake began freestyling lyrics in the vocal booth, improvising lines like the iconic hook without any pre-written material, while layered in drums to build the foundation. The entire piece came together organically in under two hours, setting an energetic tone for the album's sessions. Writing credits for the song are shared among Timberlake, (Timothy Mosley), and Danja, reflecting their collaborative contributions to both the and composition.

Recording Process

The recording of "" took place in 2006 at multiple studios for FutureSex/LoveSounds, including Thomas Crown Studios in ; in Hollywood, ; and locations in Miami, , and New York. Timbaland served as the primary producer, collaborating closely with Nate "Danja" Hills, who contributed keyboards and programming to craft the track's layered, midtempo production. The song incorporates exotic textures to the , drawing from Timbaland's signature approach to global sampling and fusion elements. The full album version of the track runs 7:28 in length, encompassing an extended interlude produced by that builds dramatic tension through spoken-word elements and instrumental swells. Mixing and engineering were handled by Jimmy Douglass, who worked alongside to refine the song's and sonic clarity at Thomas Crown Studios.

Musical Composition and Lyrics

Style and Instrumentation

"What Goes Around... Comes Around" is classified as a and , characterized by its sleek, sci-fi mood and emotional intensity. Performed in at 76 beats per minute, the track unfolds slowly over seven minutes in the album version, blending introspective verses with dramatic builds. The song follows a verse-chorus form, featuring three choruses that escalate in scale, leading into an elaborate transition and a drawn-out coda that serves as an extended outro. This structure incorporates an interlude with spoken-word elements delivered by producer , adding a narrative layer amid the instrumental fade. Instrumentation centers on a prominent ringing guitar , augmented by a real for orchestral depth reminiscent of arrangements. Electronic beats from drum machines provide a rhythmic backbone, while Timberlake's vocals deliver the with sensitive, soaring phrasing. A key textural element is the opening , crafted by using a to replicate the sound of an , introducing an exotic, sliding Eastern derived from non-Western traditions.

Themes and Interpretation

The song's central theme revolves around karma, , and the cyclical nature of relationships, presenting a about the inevitable consequences of and emotional harm. Timberlake explores how actions in love rebound on the perpetrator, with lyrics emphasizing retribution as a natural outcome of deceit. The narrative arc follows the protagonist's introspective journey through a crumbling romance, beginning with denial and pain—"Don't want to think about it, don't want to talk about it"—and escalating to acknowledgment of the betrayal's toll. Central to this reflection is the recurring refrain "," which encapsulates the protagonist's realization that the partner's will lead to their own downfall, framing the story as a moral lesson on relational reciprocity. Interpretations often connect the song to Timberlake's high-profile breakup with , viewing it as a veiled commentary on and public fallout, though Timberlake has explicitly denied this, stating it draws from a friend's experience with betrayal involving designer Trace Ayala and actress . This personal anecdote underscores the track's broader applicability to universal themes of trust violation without direct autobiographical ties. In the outro, the repetitive structure and intensifying delivery symbolize an emphatic warning of forgiveness tempered by inevitable consequences, as the protagonist foresees the ex-partner's new relationship mirroring the original hurt: "Tomorrow's just another day / And I ain't got time for the games you play." This section reinforces the song's karmic motif through layered vocals and rhythmic escalation, evoking a sense of unresolved cyclical justice. The track evolves thematically from Timberlake's earlier "Cry Me a River," serving as a that expands on betrayal's aftermath by shifting from raw accusation to contemplative retribution, maintaining a narrative thread of relational fallout across his .

Critical Reception

Contemporary Reviews

Upon its release as the third single from FutureSex/LoveSounds in December 2006, "What Goes Around... Comes Around" received widespread critical acclaim for its ambitious production and Justin Timberlake's vocal performance, often highlighted as a standout track on the album. Rolling Stone's Rob Sheffield described it as a "seven-minute epic" with a "slow, sexy build" that showcased Timberlake's and emotional range, praising Timbaland's futuristic production for blending R&B, pop, and electronic elements into an innovative sound that elevated Timberlake's artistry beyond his era. AllMusic's noted the song's emotional depth within the album's cohesive structure, crediting its futuristic sheen for giving the a modern edge that avoided sentimentality while tying into the record's overarching themes of love and retribution. The track's reception was bolstered by aggregate scores reflecting strong approval from major outlets, with the album earning a average of 70/100 based on 25 reviews, equivalent to roughly 4/5 stars, where critics frequently commended Timbaland's boundary-pushing beats as a key factor in the song's impact. However, some reviews offered mixed assessments; The Guardian's critiqued the lyrics' "needlessly sour" tone toward Timberlake's ex-partner, suggesting it echoed past bitterness without adding fresh insight, though he acknowledged the production's crossover appeal. Overall, contemporary critics positioned the song as a pivotal moment in Timberlake's evolution, with its lyrical exploration of betrayal serving as a foundation for praise of the album's unified sonic landscape.

Awards and Recognition

"What Goes Around... Comes Around" received significant recognition at major awards ceremonies following its release. At the in 2008, the song won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, highlighting Timberlake's vocal delivery and the track's production by . It was also nominated for at the same ceremony, acknowledging its overall artistic and technical achievement. The accompanying music video earned accolades at the , where it won Best Direction for director , praised for its narrative storytelling and visual effects. It was also nominated for Video of the Year. In critical retrospectives, the song was included in Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007, ranking at number 24 for its innovative blend of pop and R&B elements. Retrospectively, it has been featured in 's Greatest of All Time Hot 100 Songs chart as of the 2015 update, reflecting its enduring chart impact.

Commercial Performance

Chart Achievements

"What Goes Around... Comes Around" debuted at number 64 on the dated December 30, 2006, reaching number 15 on the chart dated January 13, 2007. The track steadily ascended the ranking, reaching the top 10 within four weeks and continuing its climb through consistent radio airplay on pop and rhythmic formats, as well as robust digital download sales, which were a key component of the methodology at the time. In its 11th week on the chart, the song jumped from number 8 to number 1 on the chart dated March 3, 2007, marking Timberlake's third consecutive leader from FutureSex/LoveSounds. It held the summit for one week before descending, ultimately spending a total of 25 weeks on the . Internationally, the single achieved strong chart performance across multiple territories, reflecting its broad appeal through radio rotation and digital availability. In Canada, it debuted on the inaugural Billboard Canadian Hot 100 at number 5 and peaked at number 3 for two weeks in late March 2007. On the UK Singles Chart, it entered at number 17 and climbed to a peak of number 4, enduring for 27 weeks overall. Similarly, in Germany, the song reached number 5 on the Official German Charts, maintaining presence for 21 weeks. In Australia, it debuted at number 5 on the ARIA Singles Chart and peaked at number 3 in March 2007. The song also topped charts in Finland and Norway, and reached number 3 in New Zealand.
Country/RegionPeak PositionSource
United States (Billboard Hot 100)1Billboard
Canada (Billboard Canadian Hot 100)3Billboard
United Kingdom (Official Charts Company)4Official Charts
Germany (Official German Charts)5Official German Charts
Australia (ARIA)3Australian Charts
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)1aCharts
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)3aCharts
Norway (VG-lista)1aCharts
As of 2025, the song has experienced streaming revivals tied to Timberlake's ongoing Forget Tomorrow World Tour, where live renditions have boosted on-demand audio and video streams on platforms like and .

Sales and Certifications

In the United States, "" achieved significant digital sales success, with 2.8 million downloads recorded as of February 2018. The single was certified by the (RIAA) on June 7, 2007, denoting shipments of one million units. Internationally, the track earned 2× Platinum certification from the , equivalent to 140,000 units shipped. It received status from the for 600,000 sales and 2× Platinum certification from for 60,000 units in . On streaming platforms, the song has amassed over 530 million plays on as of November 2025 for its primary version, contributing to its enduring digital footprint. During the era, the accompanying marked a milestone as the first major artist release exclusive to the platform, achieving over 75,000 downloads in its initial four days and underscoring the track's dominance in early sales. The song saw a post-2020 resurgence, bolstered by widespread viral usage on for challenges and nostalgic content.

Music Video

Development and Production

The music video for "What Goes Around... Comes Around" was directed by , known for his work on high-profile projects including Nirvana's "," and was filmed in late 2006 for release in early 2007. The production featured a of approximately $1 million, which supported its ambitious scope as a rather than a standard music video format. Bayer collaborated closely with Justin Timberlake on the concept, which was developed to visually interpret the song's themes of karma and relational consequences through a blend of narrative , performance sequences, and abstract visual elements. The director and Timberlake opted for established actors to enhance authenticity, casting in the role of Timberlake's love interest specifically for her commanding dramatic presence as a BAFTA-winning at the time. Johansson's involvement added a layer of cinematic credibility to the project. Principal photography took place in , , utilizing local studios to construct elaborate sets that accommodated the video's key action elements, including the climactic car crash sequence. The editing process focused on integrating the footage with the song's full runtime, including its interlude, to create a cohesive 9-minute that extended beyond typical video lengths for deeper storytelling. This synchronization allowed the narrative to unfold in tandem with the track's emotional arcs while incorporating Bayer's signature stylistic flourishes.

Synopsis

The music video for "What Goes Around... Comes Around," directed by and running 9 minutes and 28 seconds, presents a cinematic narrative of romance, betrayal, and karmic retribution, starring opposite as his love interest. The story opens in a burlesque-style club where Timberlake flirts with Johansson's character, who initially dismisses him with a bored retort before agreeing to leave with him for his apartment. There, the couple shares tender intimate moments, including a playful sequence in which Johansson feigns drowning in a pool and Timberlake "rescues" her, laughing together afterward. Tensions escalate when Johansson begins an affair with another man, portrayed by , culminating in a betrayal scene at Timberlake's where she kisses her lover. Discovering them, Timberlake erupts in rage, ejecting the man and confronting Johansson, who then steals his and speeds away. This sparks a high-speed across a bridge, building to a dramatic climax in which Johansson's vehicle crashes and flips in slow motion, resulting in her death and underscoring the song's theme of consequences. Interspersed with the plot are abstract performance sequences featuring Timberlake dancing with a troupe of performers amid circular motifs and fire , evoking dreamlike cycles of karma. The video employs a aesthetic with dramatic slow-motion effects during key action moments to heighten emotional intensity, while the song's interlude includes spoken-word vocals by producer , though he does not appear on screen.

Release and Impact

The music video for "What Goes Around... Comes Around" exclusively premiered on the on February 9, 2007, and debuted on MTV's on February 13, 2007, marking a significant release in Timberlake's visual catalog. It quickly gained traction through heavy airplay on MTV's , debuting at number nine on February 13 and topping the chart for several weeks, reflecting its immediate popularity among viewers. As of November 2025, the official video has amassed over 508 million views on , underscoring its enduring online presence. The video's critical response was positive, earning the MTV Video Music Award for Best Direction for director Samuel Bayer at the 2007 ceremony, highlighting its innovative visual style. Scarlett Johansson's casting as Timberlake's love interest generated substantial cultural buzz, as her high-profile status from films like Lost in Translation brought crossover appeal and media attention to the project. The inclusion of a dramatic car crash scene, depicting Johansson's character's tragic fate, stirred controversy for its intense and graphic portrayal of betrayal's consequences, prompting discussions on the boundaries of narrative violence in music videos. In the long term, the video has influenced storytelling in pop music videos by pioneering a cinematic, mini-movie format that prioritizes emotional arcs and high-production drama over simple performance clips, inspiring subsequent works with similar narrative depth.

Performances and Covers

Live Performances

The song debuted live on the December 16, 2006, episode of Saturday Night Live, where Timberlake performed it as one of two musical numbers promoting FutureSex/LoveSounds. It became a staple of his FutureSex/LoveShow tour from 2007 to 2008, featured prominently in the setlist including the filmed concert at Madison Square Garden in November 2007. Timberlake delivered an acoustic piano rendition at the on February 11, 2007, highlighting the song's emotional core during his segment. No acoustic version appeared at the , where he instead performed other tracks from the album. In recent years, the song returned to Timberlake's live repertoire with a full-band at NPR's Tiny Desk Concert on March 15, 2024, emphasizing funky rhythms and brass elements in a stripped-down studio setting. It has been a highlight of The Forget Tomorrow World Tour (2024–2025), often presented in an acoustic guitar-led format that shortens the interlude for pacing while building to a climactic finish. Live renditions frequently incorporate audience interaction, such as extended sections during the chorus, fostering communal energy in arena settings across both historical and current tours.

Cover Versions

Several artists have reinterpreted "" in various styles, showcasing the song's versatility beyond its original R&B and pop roots. In 2007, delivered an acoustic rock rendition during a live radio session on May 23, transforming the track into a stripped-down performance that highlighted its emotional core. That same year, Dutch vocalist uploaded a soulful pop cover to on May 28, which quickly went viral and caught the attention of , leading to her signing with his Tennman Records label. Her version emphasized vocal runs and a youthful energy, contributing to her early online fame. In 2009, band adapted the song into an emo-infused track for the tribute compilation Punk Goes Pop 2, infusing it with aggressive guitars, screamed vocals, and dynamic breakdowns while retaining the narrative of betrayal and karma. This cover exemplified the series' approach to reimagining mainstream pop hits for alternative audiences. Acoustic rock group followed in 2010 with a medley cover combining the song with Rihanna's "Rehab," released as part of their Cover Sessions, Vol. 3 EP; their rendition featured harmonious vocals and stripped-back instrumentation, blending themes of heartbreak and addiction. In 2011, performed an acoustic cover of the song during her , delivering a heartfelt rendition that emphasized its lyrical themes of karma and heartbreak, which was well-received by fans.

Legacy and Influence

Cultural Impact

The song has been referenced in television series, notably featured in the pilot episode of Gossip Girl (2007), where it underscores themes of betrayal and social consequences among the characters. Its lyrics and title phrase have also permeated internet culture, appearing in memes that illustrate the concept of karma, often juxtaposed with visuals of retribution or moral lessons to emphasize cyclical justice. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" contributed to the broader influence of Timbaland's production techniques on pop music, blending electronic elements with emotive structures to create a hybrid sound that became a blueprint for subsequent R&B-infused pop tracks. In the , the song experienced a revival on social media platforms like , where users incorporated clips and lyrics into videos offering relationship advice, often framing personal stories of infidelity or emotional fallout through the lens of karmic return. These trends highlighted the track's enduring relevance to discussions of accountability in modern romance, with creators syncing the chorus to dramatic reenactments of "what goes around comes around." As one of Justin Timberlake's signature hits from FutureSex/LoveSounds, the song gained renewed scrutiny during the 2021 #FreeBritney movement, where fans and commentators invoked its narrative of betrayal as ironic commentary on Timberlake's past relationship with and perceived double standards in their public fallout. Media analyses noted how the lyrics, interpreted as a veiled reference to Spears' , resurfaced to critique Timberlake's role in her media portrayal, symbolizing broader conversations about accountability in . This scrutiny continued into the , with the song's title phrase referenced in media coverage of Timberlake's 2024 controversies, including his DWI arrest, as ironic commentary on themes of retribution. In musicological discussions, the song has been examined for its use of cyclical narratives in R&B, particularly through text painting where the circles back to reinforce the theme of inevitable return, as analyzed in studies of contemporary pop song structures. This approach draws on R&B traditions of repetition to evoke emotional loops, positioning the track as an example of how pop-R&B employed musical motifs to mirror lyrical ideas of consequence and recurrence.

Remixes and Sampling

The single release of "What Goes Around... Comes Around" included a version clocking in at 5:09, tailored for airplay by condensing the track while preserving its core structure and vocal delivery. In contrast, the full album version from FutureSex/LoveSounds extends to 7:28, incorporating an elaborate interlude with layered strings and rhythmic builds that enhance its dramatic narrative arc. This extended format was particularly suited for club environments, where the interlude's progressive intensity allowed for seamless DJ transitions and prolonged segments. In February 2007, Jive Records issued the EP What Goes Around... Comes Around: The Remixes, compiling five official dance-oriented reworkings to capitalize on the track's popularity in electronic music scenes. Key among them is the Paul van Dyk Club Mix (8:47), which infuses trance elements with pulsating synths and euphoric builds, transforming the original's R&B foundation into a high-energy club anthem. The Junkie XL Big Room Extended Mix (9:47) emphasizes house beats and expansive drops, extending the interlude for peak-time play while maintaining Timberlake's emotive vocals. Other notable entries include the Quentin Harris Remix (6:58), featuring deep house grooves and subtle percussion overlays, and the Mysto & Pizzi Main Mix, which adds progressive electronic flourishes for a more uplifting vibe. The Sebastien Léger Remix (Radio Edit) offers a concise 4:03 take with tech-house rhythms, bridging radio accessibility and dancefloor appeal. The track's melodic and instrumental elements have been sampled in subsequent music, influencing hip-hop and R&B productions. For instance, Max B featuring Jim Jones's "What Goes Around" (2010) directly interpolates the beat and string motifs from the original interlude to underscore its thematic . Similarly, Ahwlee's "Loves_fair" (2014) draws on the song's progression and synth layers for a lo-fi hip-hop reinterpretation. These usages highlight the track's enduring appeal as a source for emotional depth and rhythmic texture in later works.

Release Details

Track Listings

The single "What Goes Around... Comes Around" was released in multiple formats in 2007, each featuring variations of the title track, its interlude, instrumentals, and remixes.

CD Single

The standard CD single release, such as the US promotional edition released in 2007, included the radio edit alongside the full album version with interlude and an instrumental. The tracklist is as follows:
  • "What Goes Around... Comes Around (Radio Edit)" – 5:09
  • "What Goes Around... Comes Around (Album Version)" – 7:28
  • "What Goes Around... Comes Around (Instrumental)" – 7:28

Digital Download

The digital single, available via platforms like and released in 2007, offered the radio edit, the extended interlude version from the album, and an instrumental mix, totaling approximately 20 minutes. The tracks are:
  • "What Goes Around... Comes Around ()" – 5:13
  • "What Goes Around... /... Comes Around (Interlude)" – 7:28
  • "What Goes Around... Comes Around ()" – 7:28

Maxi-Single

The maxi-single, released as a promotional CD in the in , compiled various remixes tailored for club and radio play, emphasizing electronic and interpretations. Key tracks include:
  • "What Goes Around... Comes Around (Paul Van Dyk Club Mix)" – 8:48
  • "What Goes Around... Comes Around (Junkie XL Big Room Extended Mix)" – 9:49
  • "What Goes Around... Comes Around (Quentin Harris Mix)" – 10:29
  • "What Goes Around... Comes Around (Mysto & Pizzi Main Mix)" – 7:44

Promotional Formats

Promotional releases included a 2x12-inch vinyl edition for DJs, released in the US in 2007, featuring extended remixes across four sides without the original vocal versions. The tracklist is: Side A: Side B: Side C: Side D:

International Variations

The Australian CD single, released in 2007, incorporated region-specific content, including a non-album bonus track and additional remixes. Its four-track listing comprises:
  • "What Goes Around... Comes Around (Radio Edit)" – 5:09
  • "Boutique in Heaven" – 4:12
  • "What Goes Around... Comes Around (Mysto & Pizzi Mix)" – 7:43
  • "What Goes Around... Comes Around (Junkie XL Small Room Mix)" – 4:54

Credits and Personnel

The song "What Goes Around... Comes Around" was written by , (Timothy Mosley), and Danja (Nate Hills). It was produced by and Danja. Vocals Instruments
  • Keyboards, : Danja,
  • Strings arranged and conducted by: Larry Gold
  • Additional strings:
    • Viola: Davis Barnett
    • : Jenny D'Lorenzo
Engineering and Production
  • Mixing: Jimmy Douglass
  • Recording: Jimmy Douglass
  • Strings recording: Jeff Chestek
  • Strings recording assistant: John Stahl
  • Mastering: Herb Powers Jr.

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