"Round and Round" (CD single) (by Selena Gomez, Pop)

common sense media says

So-so pop song condones staying in a bad relationship.

parents & educators say

50% say sexual content is an issue
50% say there are positive role models

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this pop single doesn't contain any explicit content, like swearing or references to sex and substances. However, its premise -- a girl who can't break free of an emotionally-abusive romantic relationship -- is a red flag for parents who want to encourage healthy relationship behaviors in their tweens.

Positive messages: Selena makes it seem OK to stay on the relationship see-saw with someone, singing "you see me standing there and act like you don't know me
/ But last night you were calling me
saying you want me
... I'm falling hard for you / We're going round and round, we're never gonna stop."

Positive role models: Despite the emotional turmoil in this song, Selena remains a good role model, keeping her personal life free of drama.

Violence: Not applicable.

Sex: Song is about a girl who can't break free of an emotionally-abusive romantic relationship.

Language: Not applicable.

Consumerism: Not applicable.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about why some people stay in relationships that make them unhappy. Can you name five reasons why people might continue dating someone who doesn't treat them well?
What are five things you can do to free yourself from unhealthy relationships?

What's the story?

"ROUND AND ROUND" is the first single from the forthcoming album A Year Without Rain by Wizards of Waverly Place star Selena Gomez. Like a lot of songs by another young Disney star and Gomez pal, Demi Lovato, this tune revolves around a difficult romantic relationship that leaves Gomez feeling heartbroken much of the time. Instead of breaking up, however, Gomez seems almost addicted to the pain -- sending a negative signal to all the impressionable young fans out there who will take away the message that it's OK to stay in a bad relationship.

Is it any good?

Unfortunately, the music doesn't redeem the unhealthy lyrical message in this song. The synth-pop hook is formulaic to the point of being boring, especially compared to so many other similar-sounding songs on the charts today. And Gomez's so-so vocals aren't strong enough to make the track a standout.

Music themes & details

Music Details

Released on: July 6, 2010
Label: Hollywood Records
Genre: Pop

This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese

Review It

What parents & educators say

Based on 4 parent & educator reviews:

50% say sexual content is an issue
50% say there are positive role models

Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

bieber_fever55
teen, 18 years old

Great Beat. Great Song.

I have no idea what this site is talking about... Selena isn't being "emotionally abused" exaclty, I just think there is relationship drama as there is in any normal, healthy relationship. Geez these people are strict. She's just saying that there is an on-again off-again relationship that she seems to be sucked back into all the time, which I think happens to the best of us. Great beat, great song, and a relatable message for anyone 11 and up I'd say. I can't even think of a single thing not appropriate about the song.

What other families should know

Music Details

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"Round and Round" (CD single) (by Selena Gomez, Pop)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on "Round and Round" (CD single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Music themes & details

Music Details

Review It

Review "Round and Round" (CD single)

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Great Beat. Great Song.

ages for this song

Bad Song, Bad Singer

Perfect!!!!!

Good

Super Song!!!!!!!!!!!!! =D

Iffy? I think not!

Common Sense was WRONG.. all the way!

Great song!

Great Song with a catchy toon :)

I love Selena. :)

Not good really

It just isn't like Selena......

It is good the first 11 times..

Excellent pop song from Selena Gomez is on, NOT iffy.

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