The Waterboys – "The Whole of the Moon"
Overview
"The Whole of the Moon" is a 1985 single by Scottish band The Waterboys, written and produced by frontman Mike Scott for their album This Is the Sea. While its initial release saw moderate chart success, the song became a major hit upon its 1991 reissue, reaching No. 3 in the UK and winning the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically in 1992. Today, it stands as the band's signature anthem and is celebrated for its sweeping, poetic sound and inspirational message12.
Lyrics and Meaning
The song is renowned for its vivid, kaleidoscopic imagery and its central metaphor:
"I saw the crescent / You saw the whole of the moon."
The lyrics contrast the narrator’s limited vision and experience with the expansive, almost mystical insight of another person. This figure is depicted as a visionary—someone who sees possibilities and truths that others cannot. The verses are filled with contrasts:
- "I pictured a rainbow / you held it in your hands"
- "I had flashes / but you saw the plan"
- "I wandered out in the world for years / while you just stayed in your room"
These lines explore themes of aspiration, perception, and the difference between ordinary understanding and extraordinary vision. The "whole of the moon" becomes a symbol for seeing the big picture, grasping the fullness of life, and achieving a kind of enlightenment or creative mastery342.
Inspiration and Subject
Mike Scott has clarified that the song is not about any single person but is inspired by a composite of visionary figures—people who, in his view, saw and understood more deeply than most. While names like C.S. Lewis and Prince have been linked to the song, Scott has stated that the lyrics were influenced by a range of inspirations, including the work of C.S. Lewis and the novel Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin, but that the song is not specifically about any one individual156.
Scott explained that the phrase "I saw the crescent, you saw the whole of the moon" came to him spontaneously on a winter night in New York, inspired by a challenge from his girlfriend to write a song on the spot. The song was then developed further in London, drawing on Scott's sense of wonder at the world and his admiration for those with greater imagination and insight72.
Musical Style and Legacy
Musically, "The Whole of the Moon" is emblematic of the Waterboys’ "Big Music" era—grand, uplifting, and cinematic, with prominent piano, synths, brass fanfares, and a jubilant chorus. Its arrangement and production contribute to the song's enduring emotional impact and timeless quality74.
The song has been widely covered and remains a staple of The Waterboys’ live performances. Its message of awe, ambition, and the beauty of visionary thinking continues to resonate, making it one of the most beloved and enduring tracks of the 1980s42.
Key Facts Table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | The Waterboys |
| Album | This Is the Sea (1985) |
| Writer/Producer | Mike Scott |
| UK Chart Peak | No. 3 (1991 reissue) |
| Awards | Ivor Novello Award (1992) |
| Notable Themes | Vision, aspiration, perception, inspiration |
| Inspiration | Composite of visionaries (e.g., C.S. Lewis), not Prince |
| Legacy | Signature song, widely covered, enduring classic |
Summary
"The Whole of the Moon" is a poetic celebration of visionary ambition and the awe inspired by those who see further and dream bigger. Its sweeping sound and evocative lyrics have secured its place as a classic, inviting listeners to reflect on the limits of their own perception and the wonder of those who see "the whole of the moon"137.
