"The World Turns All Around Her" is one of several songs written by Clark with lyrics about broken love and the pain of teenage romance.
[3] The song ends with the singer suggesting that the new boyfriend may eventually recognize that he too must set her free in order for her to become all that she can be.
"[4] Rolling Stone Album Guide contributor Rob Sheffield described the music as being "morosely uptempo.
"[5] Rogan feels that applying this music to "a plaintive love song" reinforces the impact of the lyrics.
[4] AllMusic critic Richie Unterberger describes "The World Turns All Around Her" as a "strong composition.
[12][13][14] The Byrds recorded an alternate mix of "The World Turns All Around Her" that incorporated bongo drums.