What Goes Around Comes Around

Lenny Kravitz's song 'What Goes Around Comes Around' delves into the concept of karma and the cyclical nature of life. The lyrics reflect on the transient nature of material wealth and friendships, emphasizing that what one puts into the world will eventually come back to them. Kravitz starts by lamenting the loss of money and friends, highlighting the impermanence of these aspects of life. This sets the stage for the central theme of the song: the inevitability of karma.

The chorus reinforces this idea with the repeated line, 'what goes around comes around,' suggesting that actions, whether good or bad, will eventually return to the doer. Kravitz also touches on the superficiality and deceit he encounters, as well as the importance of striving for a better future despite these challenges. He encourages perseverance and integrity, especially for the sake of future generations, as seen in the lines, 'my brother keep striving your child relies.'

Kravitz extends the theme of karma to a broader, more global perspective. He critiques humanity's exploitation of nature and warns of the consequences of such actions. The lyrics, 'we've ruined what's pure down from nature below,' serve as a cautionary message about environmental degradation. He urges the younger generation to heed these warnings and take responsibility for the future, as their predecessors failed to do. The song concludes with a hopeful note, aiming to inspire and elevate the listener, as Kravitz repeatedly sings about taking them 'higher.' This final section suggests a call to rise above past mistakes and strive for a better, more conscientious future.