"The Whole of the Moon" is a song by the Scottish band The Waterboys, released as a single from their 1985 album This Is the Sea.

Written and produced by lead singer Mike Scott, the song is one of the band's most famous and enduring tracks, often played at live shows since its release.

The song was inspired by a moment when Scott's girlfriend asked him if writing songs was difficult. Looking up at the sky, he jotted down the line "I saw the crescent / You saw the whole of the moon," which became the central metaphor of the song.

The lyrics contrast the singer's limited perspective with the broader vision of an inspirational figure, described as someone who sees and understands much more deeply.

The subject of the song is a composite of various inspirational people, including writer C. S. Lewis, and possibly figures like Jimi Hendrix, but it is not about any one person specifically.

The song features notable trumpet parts arranged by Roddy Lorimer, intended to evoke sunlight bursting through clouds, and includes influences from Prince in its synthesizer lines.

Though initially not a major chart success, the song gained popularity over time, reaching No. 3 in the UK upon its 1991 re-release and becoming The Waterboys' most commercially successful song.

In summary, "The Whole of the Moon" is a celebrated 1985 song by The Waterboys that uses the metaphor of seeing the whole moon versus just a crescent to explore themes of vision, inspiration, and admiration for those who see beyond the ordinary.