What Goes Around... Comes Around

When Timberlake began working on FutureSex/LoveSounds at Timbaland's studio in Virginia Beach, Virginia,{{cite news |last=Vineyard |first=Jennifer |title=Road to the Grammys: Justin Wanted To Channel Coldplay On FutureSex/LoveSounds |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1552019/20070208/timberlake_justin.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070211012513/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1552019/20070208/timberlake_justin.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 11, 2007 |publisher=MTV News |date=February 9, 2007 |access-date=February 15, 2008}}{{Cite news |last=Vineyard |first=Jennifer |title=Justin Timberlake's Fooling 'Around' Resulted in Award-Nominated Song: Behind The Grammys |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1581045/20080206/timberlake_justin.jhtml |publisher=MTV News |date=February 8, 2008 |access-date=February 15, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213054927/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1581045/20080206/timberlake_justin.jhtml |archive-date=December 13, 2010}} they had no idea of what the album would be like with no plan for it or even a title. He told his collaborators to do a remake of his previous single, "Cry Me a River". 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."

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". 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". 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.

"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." His answer motivated the collective, and they ended up producing ten songs for the album.

"What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" is a psychedelic pop and sophisti-pop ballad performed in a slow manner.{{cite web |title=Justin Timberlake Digital Sheet Music: What Goes Around |url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0056580 |work=Musicnotes |date=March 5, 2007|access-date=February 13, 2008}}{{cite web |last=Breihan |first=Tom |date=March 1, 2023 |title=The Number Ones: Justin Timberlake's "What Goes Around... Comes Around" |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2214842/the-number-ones-justin-timberlakes-what-goes-around-comes-around/columns/the-number-ones/ |accessdate=March 2, 2023 |website=Stereogum |quote="...reaching the summit of the Hot 100 with a psychedelic seven-minute breakup-tantrum ballad...but “What Goes Around” is still a glorious piece of pop music."}} It is composed in the key of A Dorian (A Minor) in common time. With a gentle and midtempo beat,{{cite web |last=Lamb |first=Bill |title=Justin Timberlake "What Goes Around..."(review) |url=http://top40.about.com/od/singles/gr/jtwhatgoes.htm |work=About entertainment |access-date=January 15, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305220243/http://top40.about.com/od/singles/gr/jtwhatgoes.htm |archive-date=March 5, 2012 |url-status=dead}} the tempo is pacing to 76 beats per minute. 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. 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.{{Cite news |last=Moss |first=Corey |title=Justin's Future Shock |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/t/timberlake_justin/news_feature_081506/index2.jhtml |publisher=MTV News |access-date=February 15, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106121310/http://www.mtv.com/bands/t/timberlake_justin/news_feature_081506/index2.jhtml |archive-date=November 6, 2012}}

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. 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. Timbaland provides backing vocals on the song.

"What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" is about betrayal and forgiveness.{{Cite news |title=JT Comes Around With New Single in Stores This Saturday |url=http://www.sonymusic.com.au/news/details.do?newsId=20030829004359 |work=Sony BMG Australia |date=March 17, 2007 |access-date=February 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070909094326/http://www.sonymusic.com.au/news/details.do?newsId=20030829004359 |archive-date=September 9, 2007 |url-status=dead}} Timberlake revealed that the song was written for the experience his friend went through. However, the public came up with 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". 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. However, Timberlake's account of the song's meaning contradicts this. Spence D. of IGN commented that the song presents "some intriguing ambiance".

{{Quote box|width=300px|align=right|quote="With an instantly recognizable introduction, Timberlake teaches a master class on consequences."|source=— VH1's Emily Exton in 2013.{{Cite news |url=https://www.vh1.com/news/hq4enr/justin-timberlake-greatest-songs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406192158/https://www.vh1.com/news/hq4enr/justin%2Dtimberlake%2Dgreatest%2Dsongs |url-status=live |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |title=Let The Groove Get In: Justin Timberlake's 20 Greatest Songs |date=October 4, 2013 |publisher=VH1 |access-date=June 21, 2017}}}}

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."{{Cite news |last=Scaggs |first=Austin |title=Timberlake Returns |newspaper=Rolling Stone |date=July 13, 2007}} 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. Chris Willman of Entertainment Weekly called it "superior", along with "LoveStoned".{{cite magazine |last=Willman |first=Chris |title=FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006): Justin Timberlake |url=https://ew.com/article/2006/09/11/futuresexlovesounds/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |publisher=Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. |date=September 8, 2006 |access-date=February 22, 2008 |archive-date=March 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305071156/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1532765,00.html |url-status=live}} 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."{{cite web |last=Baron |first=Zach |title=Justin Timberlake: "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around Interlude" |url=http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/track_review/38235-what-goes-aroundcomes-around-interlude |work=Pitchfork Media |publisher=Pitchfork Media Inc. |date=September 1, 2006 |access-date=February 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307125906/http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/track_review/38235-what-goes-aroundcomes-around-interlude |archive-date=March 7, 2008 |url-status=dead}} Spence D. of IGN called it "annoying" but he complimented the use of echo vocals and swirling synths.{{cite web |last=D. |first=Spence |title=Justin Timberlake – Futuresex/Lovesounds |url=http://music.ign.com/articles/732/732876p1.html |work=IGN |date=September 14, 2006 |access-date=February 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324185534/http://music.ign.com/articles/732/732876p1.html |archive-date=March 24, 2012 |url-status=dead}}

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."{{Cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7357881/justin-timberlake-singles-ranked-cant-stop-the-feeling |title=Critic's Choice: Every Justin Timberlake Single Ranked |last=Atkinson |first=Katie |date=May 6, 2016 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=June 18, 2017}} 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."{{Cite news |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/03/the-25-best-justin-timberlake-songs/justin-timberlake-like-i-love-you |title=The 25 Best Justin Timberlake Songs |date=March 15, 2013 |work=Complex |access-date=June 18, 2017 |archive-date=October 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027182220/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/03/the-25-best-justin-timberlake-songs/justin-timberlake-like-i-love-you |url-status=dead}} Idolator staff stated, "This track is also probably what influenced many of Taylor Swift kiss-off ballad in the years to come."{{Cite news |url=http://www.idolator.com/7634013/justin-timberlake-nsync-biggest-songs-reviewed-playlist-listen/6 |title=Justin Timberlake's 23 Top 10 Singles (Including *NSYNC!): Revisited, Reviewed & Ranked |date=May 20, 2016 |work=Idolator |access-date=June 21, 2017 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

"What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" placed at number 24 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007.{{cite magazine |title=The 100 Best Songs of 2007 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/17601363/the_100_best_songs_of_2007/6 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215191732/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/17601363/the_100_best_songs_of_2007/6 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 15, 2007 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=December 11, 2007 |access-date=February 13, 2008}} 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.{{cite web |title=50th Annual Grammy Awards Winners List |url=http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/50th_show/list.aspx |publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences |access-date=February 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080223163153/http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/50th_Show/list.aspx |archive-date=February 23, 2008}}

"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.{{cite web |title=Billboard Hot 100 |url=http://acharts.us/billboard_hot_100/2006/51 |publisher=αCharts.us |date=December 23, 2006 |access-date=February 18, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080121133158/http://acharts.us/billboard_hot_100/2006/51 |archive-date = January 21, 2008}} From number eight on February 24, 2007,{{cite web |title=Billboard Hot 100 |url=http://acharts.us/billboard_hot_100/2007/08 |publisher=αCharts.us |date=February 24, 2007 |access-date=February 18, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080123092934/http://acharts.us/billboard_hot_100/2007/08 |archive-date = January 23, 2008}} 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.{{cite magazine |title=Chart Beat |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/chart_beat/bonus_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003548872 |magazine=Billboard |date=February 22, 2007 |access-date=February 22, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070302081541/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/chart_beat/bonus_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003548872 |archive-date = March 2, 2007}} The single charted on Hot 100 for 25 weeks.{{cite web |title="What Goes Around..." Global Positions and Trajectories |url=http://acharts.us/song/11844 |publisher=αCharts |access-date=February 18, 2008}} "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America on June 7, 2007.{{cite web |title=Gold and Platinum |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=What%20Goes%20Around&artist=&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America |access-date=February 23, 2008}} By September 3, 2010, the song had passed the two million sales plateau,{{cite web |url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/65334/chart-watch-extra-the-ageless-tina-turner/ |title=Chart Watch Extra: The Ageless Tina Turner – Chart Watch |publisher=Yahoo! Music |access-date=September 14, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100911203858/http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/65334/chart-watch-extra-the-ageless-tina-turner/ |archive-date=September 11, 2010}} and has sold 2,375,000 copies as of April 2013.{{cite web |url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-april-21-2013-songs-duo-200020239.html |title=Week Ending April 21, 2013. Songs: Duo of the Year |last=Grein |first=Paul |date=April 23, 2013|access-date=May 6, 2013}} As of 2018, the song has accumulated 3.5 million units in the US, combining sales (2.8 million copies) and equivalent streams.{{Cite news |url=http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2018/the-evolution-of-super-bowl-lii-halftime-performer-justin-.timberlake.html?cid=socSprinklr-Nielsen |title=The Evolution of Super Bowl LII Half-Time Performer Justin Timberlake |date=January 31, 2018 |work=Nielsen |access-date=January 31, 2018}}{{dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8097976/justin-timberlake-nsync-career-album-song-sales-ask-billboard |title=Ask Billboard: Justin Timberlake & *NSYNC's Career Album & Song Sales |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Billboard-Hollywood Media Group |date=February 4, 2018 |access-date=February 4, 2018 |last=Trust |first=Gary}}

In the United Kingdom, "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" debuted at number 59 on the UK Singles Chart on January 28, 2007.{{cite web |title=UK Singles Top 75 |url=http://acharts.us/uk_singles_top_75/2007/05 |publisher=αCharts |date=January 29, 2007 |access-date=February 23, 2008}} The digital download sales helped propel the single to number 11 on February 25, 2007.{{Cite news |title=Justin storms the charts |url=http://www.sonybmgmusic.co.uk/artists/justin_timberlake/4820/35/ |work=Sony BMG UK |date=February 26, 2007 |access-date=February 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211104621/http://www.sonybmgmusic.co.uk/artists/justin_timberlake/4820/35/ |archive-date=December 11, 2008 |url-status=dead}} "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" peaked at number four on March 11,{{Cite news |title=What Goes Around leaps up the charts |url=http://www.sonybmgmusic.co.uk/artists/justin_timberlake/4966/35/ |work=Sony BMG UK |date=March 12, 2007 |access-date=February 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211104643/http://www.sonybmgmusic.co.uk/artists/justin_timberlake/4966/35/ |archive-date=December 11, 2008 |url-status=dead}} to become his sixth top five single in the United Kingdom. It stayed on the chart for 22 weeks. The single entered the top five in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Romania (where it reached number one) and Switzerland. 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.{{cite web |title=Australia Singles Top 50 |url=http://acharts.us/australia_singles_top_50/2007/13 |publisher=αCharts |date=March 26, 2007 |access-date=February 23, 2008}} It spent a total of 22 weeks on the chart. "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" was certified two-times platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association for selling over 30,000 units.{{cite web |title=ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2007 Singles |url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesARIACharts-Accreditations-2007Singles.htm |work=Australian Recording Industry Association |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association Ltd. |access-date=February 23, 2008}} The single peaked at number three in the New Zealand on April 9, 2007, and spent 16 weeks on the chart.{{cite web |title=New Zealand Top 40 |url=http://acharts.us/nz_singles_top_40/2007/15 |publisher=αCharts |date=April 9, 2007 |access-date=February 23, 2008}} "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand.{{cite web |title=RIANZ: Top 40 Singles |url=http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp?chartNum=1569&chartKind=S |publisher=Recording Industry Association of New Zealand |date=June 18, 2007 |access-date=March 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209155955/http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp?chartNum=1569&chartKind=S |archive-date=February 9, 2012 |url-status=dead}}

File:ScarlettJohanssonFeb07.jpg and Timberlake chose American actress Scarlett Johansson after deciding on using "real" actors for the music video to "What Goes Around... Comes Around".]]

The music video for the "What Goes Around... Comes Around" was produced as a short movie.{{Cite news |last=Vineyard |first=Jennifer |title=Justin Timberlake Went 'Around' And Came Out with a Broken Finger: VMA Lens Recap |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1568745/20070831/timberlake_justin.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070905004830/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1568745/20070831/timberlake_justin.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 5, 2007 |publisher=MTV News |date=September 4, 2007 |access-date=February 19, 2008}}{{Cite news |title=It's Here! Watch The New Justin Timberlake Video NOW |url=http://www.sonymusic.com.au/news/details.do?newsId=20030829004235 |work=Sony BMG Australia |date=February 19, 2007 |access-date=February 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080525112211/http://www.sonymusic.com.au/news/details.do?newsId=20030829004235 |archive-date=May 25, 2008 |url-status=dead}} The video was directed by Samuel Bayer, who had first directorial works with Nirvana's 1991 single "Smells Like Teen Spirit". The video features dialogues written by Alpha Dog writer and director Nick Cassavetes, who had previously worked with Timberlake in the film. Timberlake and Bayer enlisted American actress Scarlett Johansson after deciding on using "real" actors. The shooting went for three days between Christmas and New Year's Eve 2006 in Los Angeles. The dawn scene was shot on January 8, after the original sessions were done.

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.{{YouTube|TOrnUquxtwA|What Goes Around...Comes Around (Official Video)}}

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.

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.

The music video of "What Goes Around... Comes Around" was exclusively premiered on February 9, 2007, on the iTunes Store.{{Cite news |title=Justin Timberlake Introduces His Highly Anticipated Video 'What Goes Around ... Comes Around' Friday February 9th on iTunes |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/02-08-2007/0004524063&EDATE= |agency=PR Newswire |date=February 8, 2007 |access-date=February 20, 2008}} The music video debuted on MTV's Total Request Live at number nine on February 13, 2007.{{cite web |title=TRL Debuts |url=http://host17.hrwebservices.net/~atrl/trlarchive/db.html |publisher=Popfusion |access-date=February 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102172613/http://host17.hrwebservices.net/~atrl/trlarchive/db.html |archive-date=January 2, 2008}} "What Goes Around..." retired on May 7 at number seven.{{cite web |title=TRL Hall of Fame |url=http://host17.hrwebservices.net/~atrl/trlarchive/rd.html |publisher=Popfusion |access-date=February 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927235336/http://host17.hrwebservices.net/~atrl/trlarchive/rd.html |archive-date=September 27, 2007}} In Canada, the music video debuted on Muchmusic's Top 30 countdown at number 22 on January 26, 2007.{{cite web |title=Justin Timberlake: What Goes Around |url=http://top40-charts.com/songs/full.php?sid=18863&sort=chartid |publisher=Top40-charts.com |access-date=May 26, 2007}} It peaked at number one on April 27 and stayed on the chart for seven non-consecutive weeks. The video was commercially successful, becoming the fastest selling pop promo on iTunes.{{Cite news |title=Justin Sells Loads on iTunes |url=http://www.sonybmgmusic.co.uk/artists/justin_timberlake/4785/35/ |work=Sony BMG UK |access-date=February 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211104604/http://www.sonybmgmusic.co.uk/artists/justin_timberlake/4785/35/ |archive-date=December 11, 2008 |url-status=dead}} It has sold 50,000 in downloads for four days.{{Cite news |title=JT's What Goes Around Comes Around Blitzes iTunes! 50,000 Downloads Already Sold |url=http://www.sonymusic.com.au/news/details.do?newsId=20030829004259 |work=Sony BMG Australia |date=February 22, 2007 |access-date=February 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080816010307/http://www.sonymusic.com.au/news/details.do?newsId=20030829004259 |archive-date=August 16, 2008 |url-status=dead}} Timberlake was the first major artist to release a video on the download platform.

In September 2007, "What Goes Around... Comes Around" won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Direction.{{cite web |title=2007 VMA Winners |url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2007/winners.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912142522/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2007/winners.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 12, 2007 |publisher=MTV News |access-date=February 20, 2008}} It was also nominated for Video of the Year but lost to singer Rihanna's 2007 video "Umbrella".{{Cite news |last=Boehm |first=Kristin |title=Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé Top VMA Nominations |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20050372,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011062127/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20050372,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |work=People |date=August 7, 2007 |access-date=February 20, 2008}}

The music video on YouTube has received over 493 million views as of April 2025.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOrnUquxtwA What Goes Around...Comes Around (Official Video)].YouTube

Timberlake performed the song on Saturday Night Live.{{cite episode |title=Justin Timberlake |episode-link=Saturday Night Live (season 32) |series=Saturday Night Live |network=NBC |airdate=December 16, 2006 |season=32 |number=9 |minutes=90–92}} 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."{{cite magazine |title=Grammy Performances Look Forward And Back |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1055083/grammy-performances-look-forward-and-back |magazine=Billboard |last=Hasty |first=Katie |date=February 12, 2007|access-date=December 29, 2014}} 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.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/festivals/8476454/justin-timberlake-shawn-mendes-2018-iheartradio-music-festival-what-comes-around-goes-around-video |title=Justin Timberlake Opens 2018 iHeartRadio Music Festival Day 2 With Shawn Mendes Assist on 'What Goes Around' |last=Atkinson |first=Katie |date=September 22, 2018 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=September 22, 2018}} He also performed it at a NPR Tiny Desk Concert on March 15, 2024.

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.{{Cite news |title=Marilyn Manson On UK's Radio 1's Live Lounge. Alesana also performed a cover of the song in the soon to be released "Punk Goes Pop Volume 2" |url=http://www.mansonusa.com/headlines/fullnews.php?id=466 |work=Mansonusa.com |publisher=The Heirophant, Filicide Ent. |date=May 23, 2007 |access-date=February 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228102058/http://www.mansonusa.com/headlines/fullnews.php?id=466 |archive-date=December 28, 2007}} 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69Grnh7Qin8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/69Grnh7Qin8 |archive-date=December 19, 2021 |url-status=live |title=me singing what goes around Justin Timberlake |via=YouTube |date=May 28, 2007 | access-date=February 27, 2017}}{{cbignore}} 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.myspace.com/myriamabelofficiel |title=Myriam Abel op MySpace Music – Gratis gestreamde MP3's, foto's en Videoclips |publisher=Myspace.com |access-date=September 14, 2010}}{{Primary source inline|date=January 2020}} 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).{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/taylor-swift-shepherds-bush-empire-london-1682504.html |title=Taylor Swift, Shepherd's Bush Empire, London |work=The Independent |date=May 10, 2009 | access-date=April 27, 2016 |author=Orr, Guillian}} 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.{{cite web |url=https://livemixtapes.com/mixtape/jamie-drastik-champagne-and-cocaine |title=Jamie Drastik – Champagne And Cocaine |publisher=livemixtapes.com |access-date=November 10, 2023}} 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.

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• German CD single

1. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Radio Edit) – 5:13
2. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Sebastien Leger Remix – Radio Edit) – 4:14

• Australian and German CD maxi single

1. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Radio Edit) – 5:13
2. "Boutique in Heaven" – 4:11
3. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Mysto & Pizzi Mix) – 7:43
4. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Junkie XL Small Room Mix) – 4:54

• UK CD maxi single

1. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Radio Edit) – 5:13
2. "Boutique in Heaven" – 4:13
3. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Wookie Mix) [Radio Edit] – 3:55
4. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Sebastien Leger Mix) [Radio Edit] – 4:14
5. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Junkie XL Small Room Mix) – 4:54

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• Digital download (radio edit)

1. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Radio Edit) – 5:14

• Digital download (The Remixes)

1. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Paul van Dyk Club Mix) – 8:49
2. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Junkie XL Big Room Extended Mix) – 9:48
3. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Quentin Harris Mix) – 10:30
4. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Mysto & Pizzi Main Mix) – 7:44
5. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Junkie XL Small Room Mix) – 4:56

• UK 12-inch vinyl

1. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Wookie Mix)
2. "Boutique in Heaven" (UK Bonus Non LP Cut)
3. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Sebastien Leger Mix)
4. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" (Radio Edit)

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Credits are adapted from the FutureSex/LoveSounds booklet.{{cite AV media notes |title=FutureSex/LoveSounds |title-link=FutureSex/LoveSounds |year=2006 |others=Justin Timberlake |type=Compact Disc |chapter=Liner notes |publisher=Jive, Zomba |page=13 |id=8 28768 80622 7 |location=Virginia Beach, Virginia}}

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• Davis Barnett – viola
• Jeff Chestek – strings recorder
• Jenny D'Lorenzo – cello
• Jimmy Douglass – mixer, recorder
• Larry Gold – conductor, strings arranger
• Nathaniel Hills – drums, keys, producer, writer
• Gloria Justin – violin

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• Emma Kummrow – violin
• Timothy Mosley – drums, Roland TR-808 claps, keys, mixer, producer, recorder, writer
• Charles Parker, Jr – violin
• John Stahl – strings recorder assistant
• Igor Szwec – violin
• Justin Timberlake – producer, writer

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{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for "What Goes Around... Comes Around"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|relyear=2006|certyear=2017|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|access-date=July 26, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Justin Timberlake|title=What Goes Around.../...Comes Around (Interlude)|type=single|award=Diamond|relyear=2006|certyear=2023|access-date=December 24, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|relyear=2006|certyear=2007|title=What Goes Around.../...Comes Around|artist=Justin Timberlake|type=single|award=Platinum|digital=true|access-date=October 11, 2015}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|relyear=2006|certyear=2007|type=single|award=Gold|certref={{cite web |url=http://ifpi.dk/?q=content/forårets-guld-og-platincertificeringer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008132334/http://ifpi.dk/?q=content/for%C3%A5rets-guld-og-platincertificeringer |archive-date=October 8, 2011 |title=Forårets guld- og platincertificeringer |language=da |access-date=July 12, 2022 |publisher=IFPI Danmark |url-status=dead}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Justin Timberlake|title=What Goes Around... Comes Around|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2006|certyear=2023|access-date=February 17, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|artist=Justin Timberlake|title=What Goes Around... Comes Around|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2006|certyear=2019|id=7504|access-date=December 23, 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|relyear=2006|certyear=2023|title=What Goes Around|artist=Justin Timberlake|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|source=radioscope|access-date=January 18, 2025}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|relyear=2006|certyear=2021|title=What Goes Around Comes Around|artist=Justin Timberlake|type=single|award=Platinum|id=10036-46-1|access-date=June 4, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|relyear=2006|certyear=2007|title=What Goes Around...Comes Around|artist=Justin Timberlake|type=single|award=Platinum|access-date=December 19, 2015|salesamount=2,800,000|salesref=}}

{{Certification Table Separator|title=Mastertone/Ringtone}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|relyear=2006|certyear=2007|title=What Goes Around.../...Comes Around|artist=Justin Timberlake|type=ringtone|award=Gold|access-date=April 28, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|relyear=2006|certyear=2007|title=What Goes Around...Comes Around|artist=Justin Timberlake|type=single|award=Gold|digital=true|access-date=December 19, 2015}}

{{certification Table Separator|title=Streaming}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|relyear=2006|certyear=2013|title=What Goes Around...Comes Around|artist=Justin Timberlake|type=single|award=Gold|certmonth=3|id=5859|streamsonly=true}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true|streamsonly=true}}

• List of Romanian Top 100 number ones of the 2000s

{{Reflist}}

• {{YouTube|TOrnUquxtwA|Official music video on "Vevo"}}

{{Justin Timberlake songs}}

{{Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance}}

Category:2000s ballads

Category:2005 songs

Category:2006 singles

Category:2007 singles

Category:Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles

Category:Contemporary R&B ballads

Category:European Hot 100 Singles number-one singles

Category:Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance

Category:Jive Records singles

Category:Justin Timberlake songs

Category:MTV Video Music Award for Best Direction

Category:Music videos directed by Samuel Bayer

Category:Number-one singles in Romania

Category:Number-one singles in Turkey

Category:Pop ballads

Category:Psychedelic pop songs

Category:Sequel songs

Category:Song recordings produced by Danja (record producer)

Category:Song recordings produced by Justin Timberlake

Category:Song recordings produced by Timbaland

Category:Songs written by Danja (record producer)

Category:Songs written by Justin Timberlake

Category:Songs written by Timbaland

Category:Sophisti-pop songs