science | January 19, 2026

The Meaning Behind The Song: Man That Hung the Moon by Brantley Gilbert

Brantley Gilbert is a country music artist who has made a name for himself with his unique blend of rock-infused country sound. His music is known for being raw and honest, and his lyrics often reflect his own personal experiences. One of his most popular songs, “Man That Hung the Moon,” is a powerful tribute to his late grandfather, and it has touched the hearts of many fans. In this article, we will take a closer look at the meaning behind the song and explore some of the questions that fans have about it.

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Song

“Man That Hung the Moon” was written by Gilbert, along with songwriters Andrew DeRoberts and Josh Phillips. According to Gilbert, the song was inspired by his grandfather, who passed away in 2014. In an interview with Taste of Country, Gilbert said, “My granddaddy was everything to me. He was the guy who put the first guitar in my hands, and he taught me how to shoot a gun, hunt and fish, and all those things.”

Gilbert has also said that his grandfather was a huge influence on his music. He credits him with instilling in him a love of traditional country music and inspiring him to pursue a career as a musician. In “Man That Hung the Moon,” Gilbert pays tribute to his grandfather and the impact that he had on his life.

The Lyrics

The lyrics of “Man That Hung the Moon” are deeply personal, and they paint a vivid picture of a grandfather who was a true hero to his grandson. The song begins with the lines, “He wasn’t the one that shook your hand, but he’s the one that shook your soul/He wasn’t the one that broke the mold, but he’s the one you ‘oughta know.”

The chorus of the song is particularly powerful, with Gilbert singing, “He’s the one that hung the moon, after the day was through/He’s the one that brought the sun, when the morning light broke through/He’s the one that found the stars, when they hid away in you/He’s the man, the man that hung the moon.”

Throughout the song, Gilbert sings about the lessons that his grandfather taught him, and how he continues to live by those lessons even though his grandfather is no longer with him. The song is a moving tribute to a man who clearly had a profound impact on Gilbert’s life.

The Music Video

The music video for “Man That Hung the Moon” is a simple but effective tribute to Gilbert’s grandfather. It features clips of Gilbert performing the song, interspersed with footage of him and his grandfather spending time together. The video also includes old family photos and home videos, adding to the personal nature of the tribute.

FAQs

1. Who is the song “Man That Hung the Moon” dedicated to?

The song “Man That Hung the Moon” is dedicated to Brantley Gilbert’s late grandfather. Gilbert has spoken extensively about the impact that his grandfather had on his life, and the song is a tribute to his memory.

2. What inspired Brantley Gilbert to write the song?

According to Gilbert, the song was inspired by his grandfather and the impact that he had on his life. Gilbert has said that his grandfather was his hero, and he wanted to honor his memory with the song.

3. What is the significance of the title “Man That Hung the Moon”?

The title of the song refers to Gilbert’s grandfather, who he credits with hanging the moon. It’s a metaphor for the impact that his grandfather had on his life, and the role that he played in shaping who Gilbert is as a person.

4. What is the meaning behind the lyrics of the song?

The lyrics of “Man That Hung the Moon” are a tribute to Gilbert’s grandfather and the impact that he had on his life. They paint a picture of a man who was a true hero to his grandson, and who taught him many valuable lessons.

5. Who wrote the song?

“Man That Hung the Moon” was written by Brantley Gilbert, Andrew DeRoberts, and Josh Phillips.

6. Was “Man That Hung the Moon” a single?

No, “Man That Hung the Moon” was not released as a single. However, it has become a fan favorite and is a popular song at Gilbert’s concerts.

7. What album is “Man That Hung the Moon” on?

“Man That Hung the Moon” is on Brantley Gilbert’s 2017 album, “The Devil Don’t Sleep.”

8. What genre is “Man That Hung the Moon”?

“Man That Hung the Moon” is a country music song with a rock-infused sound, which is typical of Brantley Gilbert’s music.

9. Has Brantley Gilbert won any awards for “Man That Hung the Moon”?

No, Brantley Gilbert has not won any awards specifically for “Man That Hung the Moon.” However, he has won numerous awards throughout his career, including several from the Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association.

10. How has the song been received by fans and critics?

“Man That Hung the Moon” has been praised by both fans and critics for its heartfelt tribute to Gilbert’s grandfather and its powerful lyrics and melody. Fans have often cited it as one of their favorite songs by Gilbert.

11. What other songs has Brantley Gilbert written about his personal life?

Brantley Gilbert is known for writing songs about his personal life and experiences. Some of his other songs that are inspired by his life include “One Hell of an Amen,” “The Ones That Like Me,” and “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.”

12. What is Brantley Gilbert’s overall style as a musician?

Brantley Gilbert’s music is known for being raw and honest, with a rock-infused country sound. His lyrics often reflect his own personal experiences, and he is known for his powerful live performances. Gilbert has said that he aims to create music that speaks to real people and addresses real issues.