Blues music often serves as a narrative of the human soul, a tale of joys, pains, and all the nuances of the human experience. Heather Newman, a contemporary blues singer-songwriter, captures this essence in her song “What Goes Around.” With a penetrating voice and an engaging melody, Newman conveys a message of empathy and resilience through her powerful lyrics and musical expressiveness.
“What Goes Around” opens with an infectious blues groove, supported by a solid rhythm section and incisive guitars and keyboards. Newman’s voice rises above the arrangement, carrying with it a sense of authority and passion. The song’s lyrics address the themes of karma and divine justice, but go beyond, also exploring human nature and the capacity to forgive and move forward.
In the chorus, Newman sings: “What goes around, comes back around / Gotta let it go or it’ll weigh you down.” These words reflect a profound sense of wisdom and acceptance. They encourage the listener to release the burden of past actions and focus on the present. It’s a call to empathy and understanding, suggesting that forgiveness and kindness can be effective antidotes to the negativity that surrounds.
Newman’s voice conveys a wide range of emotions, from anger to hope, from disappointment to determination. This emotional range is amplified by the mastery of the accompanying musicians, creating an immersive and captivating sonic atmosphere.
In the next verse, Newman sings: “Don’t let nobody tell you who you are / Just remember that you’re a shining star.” These words are a powerful encouragement for authenticity and self-esteem. They urge the listener not to let others define them and to remember their intrinsic value.
The song’s structure is dynamic, with moments of intensity and calm alternating, keeping the listener’s attention from start to finish. The climax comes in the final chorus of the song, with Newman singing with palpable intensity, conveying a sense of liberation and hope for the future. “What Goes Around” by Heather Newman is an anthem to empathy, resilience, and inner strength. Through her music, Newman reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there’s always a light shining, ready to guide us toward a new dawn.
