What Goes Around...Comes Around

"What Goes Around...Comes Around"
Song

"What Goes Around..." is the third single from Justin Timberlake's second solo album FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006).

Song information

"What Goes Around..." has been described as a second version of "Cry Me a River", due to the similarity in theme, structure, and tune of the two songs. Both songs are unforgiving indictments of an unfaithful lover. Despite the familiar topic, Timberlake has stated that, unlike "Cry Me A River", "What Goes Around..." is not about his former girlfriend Britney Spears. Indeed, popular rumor suggests that "What Goes Around..." is about Timberlake's lifelong friend Trace Ayala and his relationship with Elisha Cuthbert. Cuthbert apparently cheated on Ayala, which broke off their engagement. The song is also rumoured to be about the relationship the two developed while on the set of 24.

The song features a two minute interlude entitled "Comes Around" featuring the album's producer Timbaland. The beat is changed to a more upbeat version of the same melody with more percussion beats. In it, Timberlake sings more about the failed relationship and the karma that is soon to follow his now ex.

The song has received positive reviews so far. Billboard Magazine gave the single a positive review, suggesting it was superior to the two previous FutureSex/LoveSounds releases, "SexyBack" and " My Love". Billboard reviewer Chuck Taylor said, "To call this 'Cry Me a River, Pt. 2' is among the greatest compliments we can muster, given the disposable quality of the previous two releases." He also went onto predict that the song would continue Timberlake's string of hits: "Sounds like three in a row for Timberlake." About.com reviewer Bill Lamb stated that the song "is one of the most gorgeous pop melodies of the year." Timberlake made another accomplishment with FutureSex/LoveSounds. He became the first male artist since 50 Cent in May 2005 to have three consecutive top ten singles, since the song peaked at number 8 on the chart.

Music video

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Justin Timberlake and Scarlett Johansson in the beginning of "What Goes Around..."

The music video for "What Goes Around..." has been described as an "epic video" or a short film since the director's cut duration exceeds nine minutes and the beginning even features credits similar to a film. The video was directed by Samuel Bayer with dialogue written by Alpha Dog writer and director Nick Cassavetes. This is Timberlake's first video with explicit language. The video stars Timberlake as well as Scarlett Johansson and Alpha Dog co-star Shawn Hatosy. It also features the interlude ("Comes Around") to the song.

It premiered on iTunes Store on February 9, 2007. Before the official release online, trailers were released on Timberlake's official website as well as on many TV outlets. The director's cut is only available online and a shorter edited version sent out to television channels. The video's official television premiere was during MTV's 2007 Grammy Awards pre-show on February 11, 2007. On iTunes, two versions are available for download; the clean version, as well as the explicit version.

The video starts off with Timberlake flirting with Johansson on the rooftop of a 1950's Moulin Rouge circus styled club. She rejects with a tease at first but eventually leaves with him to go back to his place. They are shown in bed together then Johansson is shown jumping into his pool and floating underneath the surface as if drowning. Timberlake runs out and pulls her up as she laughs it off and starts to kiss him in the pool. Timberlake is then shown introducing her to a drunk Hatosy at the club calling her "The One".

Hatosy seems to be interested in Johansson which can be confirmed for sure when Timberlake catches the two making out in a stairway later on, despite Timberlake's wish for Hatosy to look out for her. After punching Hatosy and chasing after Johansson (who has sped off in her car), Timberlake then chases her in his car until seeing her run right into a fiery car crash pile up in which she is thrown from the car and lands feet away from the crash. He gets out and kneels over her while the camera view moves toward the sky and ends the video.

Remixes

• Original – 7:28
• Instrumental – 7:28
• Radio Edit – 5:13
• Quentin Harris Mix – 10:29
• Junkie XL Big Room Remix – 9:47
• Junkie XL Small Room Remix – 4:55
• Junkie XL Small Room Single – 3:19
• Larry Rock Remix – 6:00
• Mysto & Pizzi Remix – 7:42
• Mysto & Pizzi Radio Edit – 3:58
• Mysto & Pizzi Radio Mix – 4:55
• Paul Van Dyk Club Mix – 8:48
• Paul Van Dyk Dub – 8:19
• Paul Van Dyk Radio Mix – 5:01
• Sebastien Leger Radio Edit – 5:32
• Sebastien Leger Remix – 11:25
• Terry Hunter Remix – 6:24
• Wookie Remix – 8:48
• Wookie Remix Radio Edit – 3:55

Charts

Chart	Peak position
Canadian BDS Airplay Chart	4
Euro Top 200	93
U.S. Billboard Hot 100	8
U.S. Billboard Pop 100	2
U.S. Billboard Rhythmic Top 40	17
U.S. Billboard Top 40 Mainstream	3
UK Singles Chart	14
UK Official Download Chart	21
United World Chart	8
Polish National Top 50	23