"The Whole of the Moon" is a song by the Scottish band The Waterboys, released as a single from their album This Is the Sea in October 1985. It is one of the band's most famous and commercially successful songs, winning the Ivor Novello Award for "Best Song Musically and Lyrically" in 1992

. The song was written and produced by Mike Scott and features a distinctive trumpet arrangement by Roddy Lorimer, inspired by the Beatles' "Penny Lane." The song's instrumentation also includes saxophone, synthesizers, and unique percussion sounds. Mike Scott aimed for a positive sound influenced by Prince's music

. Initially, the single had modest chart success but gained popularity over time, reaching No. 3 in the UK upon its re-release in 1991 and No. 12 in Australia in 1985. It has been released multiple times and appears on several Waterboys albums and compilations

. "The Whole of the Moon" has been covered by other artists and featured in media, including a notable performance by Fiona Apple in the TV series The Affair

. The song is known for its poetic lyrics and uplifting melody, often interpreted as contrasting the narrator's limited perspective with someone who sees the "whole of the moon" — a metaphor for broader vision or insight