Friends Who Once “hung the moon” as Told by Leila Dandan

“hung the moon” is the newest single from Leila Dandan, a 19-year-old singer/ songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer who weaves everything she is into her music. Specifically, Dandan is known for a sound is constantly developing right alongside her as she grows both as an artist and an individual.

Born and raised in California and currently based in Texas, Dandan feels most at home wherever she can share her innermost thoughts. She goes to great lengths to get her stories into the hearts of those who listen through her intricate guitar-playing, heartfelt lyrics, and her raw, authentic delivery. She is often compared to those of Phoebe Bridgers, Lizzy McAlpine, and Hayley Williams.

“‘hung the moon’ is about misplaced admiration. I wrote it after being incredibly disappointed with one of my closest friends with whom I’m no longer close. I almost wish I can go back to that false sense of reality because although it was false, I still enjoyed our friendship and I miss thinking so highly of her (I miss believing that you hung the moon).”

A gentle sound and an incredibly heartfelt message is what makes Dandan’s “hung the moon” a joy to listen to. Delicate vocals carried by a sweet acoustic melody work in harmony to deliver thoughts of regret with hints of nostalgia as Dandan relays what she wished a friend was, someone who ultimately became be someone she didn’t expect. Loosing a close friend due to betrayal or otherwise is commonly a very painful experience, and this pain is showcased gorgeously in Dandan’s vulnerable lyric writing and artistic performance.

Vulnerability can be seen more so in the second half of the track, where Dandan describes the last conversation that was held between the two previous friends, and she follows this with the heartbreak that is felt afterwards, missing the feeling that the one who you trusted to have “hung the moon.” Those who relate to an experience such as this will appreciate this song wholeheartedly, and a listen is ultimately encouraged for anyone who stumbles upon it.

Leila Dandan can be followed for more on Instagram and TikTok.

Rebekah Moseley Subscriber

I am a Contributing Journalist at Glasse Factory, and Editing, Writing and Media major at Florida State University. I live in Tallahasee with my bearded dragon, and love a wide range of folk and pop!