Hang the Moon is an original song first featured in The Parents, the ninth episode of the second season of Smash. It written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The version released as a single features Bernadette Peters (Leigh Conroy) and Megan Hilty (Ivy Lynn) on lead vocals.
In the context of Bombshell, the number sees Marilyn fantasize about visiting her retired mother at the sanitarium, where - in the dream - Gladys says all the things to Marilyn that she always wanted to hear.
Lyrics[]
Gladys:
If our lives were a movie
I'd know what to do
I'd write every scene with my heart
An R.K.O. picture
That stars me and you
And this time, I'd learn my part
I'd paint you some scenery
We'd sing, and we'd dance
From morning, 'til late afternoon
And when that scene is done
Then I'd take down the sun
And for you, darling, I'll hang the moon
We'd wake up to sunshine
Like lights on a set
You'd reach out, and there'd be my hand
All day, there'd be music
A perfect duet
That flows from the white baby grand
At night, when you're frightened
I'll play you to sleep
That melody from Clair de Lune
And to fill up the sky
Past the clouds I would fly
And for you, darling, I'll hang the moon
Hang the moon forever
So you'd never fear
The darkness, the darkness I've know
Moon, protect Norma Jeane
So that she'll never be alone
Never alone
If our lives were a movie
Then you'd be the star
'Cause now I know the role I should play
To applaud all you do,
All the things that you are
And just be there on opening day
I know in the past
That the lines were all wrong
And the music was never in tune
But the wish that I make
Is for just one more take
Because then, darling, I'll hang the moon
Gladys & Marilyn:
I'll hang the moon above you
So you never fear
The darkness, the darkness of night
Then you'll know I love you
Each time that you feel the light
Gladys:
Feel the light
If our lives were a movie
Then I'd cut away
All the moments when I wasn't there
Marilyn:
The scenes that are happy
Are all that will stay
The rest will dissolve into air
Gladys & Marilyn:
As the final reel ends
We might both shed a tear
Gladys:
For the ending is coming up soon
Gladys & Marilyn:
But when the screen fades to black
We can smile and look back
Gladys:
And for you, darling, I'll hang the moon