The Waterboys released the single “Whole of the Moon” in 1985, and it became their biggest hit. Regarded as one of the most poetic and inspiring songs of all time, it’s renowned for its rich imagery that captures the essence of ambition and enlightenment. The song is an ode to a visionary, someone who aims for the impossible and achieves it. But what is the story behind the song? What inspired its lyrics and how did it come to be?
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The Inspiration Behind the Song
The “Whole of the Moon” was written by Mike Scott, the lead vocalist, and guitarist of The Waterboys. According to Scott, the song was inspired by the life and work of C.S. Lewis, the renowned British author and scholar. Scott was reading “The Magician’s Nephew,” from Lewis’s series of books, “The Chronicles of Narnia,” when he found a line that read, “He saw the whole of the moon.” He was so taken with the line that he wrote a song around it.
The Lyrics and their Meaning
The lyrics of “Whole of the Moon” are dripping with evocative imagery that captures the essence of a larger-than-life individual. The song is narrated from the perspective of someone who’s in awe of another person who’s achieved great things and seen the entire world. The lyrics use various metaphors and comparisons to describe this individual and their accomplishments.
At its core, the song is about aspiration, and the desire to achieve goals that seem unattainable. It’s about the human spirit that strives for greatness and refuses to settle for mediocrity. The song’s lyrics encourage the listener to dream big and aim for the impossible, no matter how far-fetched it might seem.
The Legacy of the Song
Since its release, “Whole of the Moon” has become a classic and is regarded as one of the most popular and inspiring songs ever written. It’s been covered and sampled by many musical artists, and has been featured in TV shows and movies. In 2015, the song was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Despite being written over 35 years ago, the song’s message of aspiration and ambition remains timeless and continues to inspire people from all walks of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About “Whole of the Moon” by The Waterboys
1. What is the song “Whole of the Moon” about?
The song is about the human spirit that strives for greatness and refuses to settle for mediocrity. It’s about the desire to achieve goals that seem impossible and to see the world in a different way.
2. What inspired Mike Scott to write “Whole of the Moon”?
Mike Scott was inspired by C.S. Lewis’s line, “He saw the whole of the moon” from “The Magician’s Nephew,” which he found while reading the book. The line captured his imagination, and he wrote a song around it.
3. Who is the narrator of the song?
The song is narrated from the perspective of someone who’s in awe of another person who’s achieved great things and seen the entire world.
4. What makes “Whole of the Moon” a classic?
“Whole of the Moon” is a classic because of its poetic and inspiring lyrics, and its message of aspiration and ambition. The song remains timeless and continues to inspire people from all walks of life.
5. What do the lyrics of the song mean?
The lyrics of the song use various metaphors and comparisons to describe a larger-than-life individual who’s achieved great things and seen the entire world. The song encourages the listener to dream big and aim for the impossible.
6. Is “Whole of the Moon” a metaphor?
Yes, “Whole of the Moon” is a metaphor for achieving great things and seeing the entire world.
7. Who covered “Whole of the Moon”?
“Whole of the Moon” has been covered by many musical artists, including Ed Sheeran, Mandy Moore, and Jennifer Warnes.
8. Has “Whole of the Moon” been used in movies or TV shows?
Yes, the song has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including “The Simpsons,” “90210,” and “The Affair.”
9. What kind of music is “Whole of the Moon”?
“Whole of the Moon” is alternative rock music that’s known for its poetic and inspiring lyrics.
10. What’s the legacy of “Whole of the Moon”?
Since its release, “Whole of the Moon” has become a classic and is regarded as one of the most popular and inspiring songs ever written. It’s been covered and sampled by many musical artists, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
11. What other songs did The Waterboys release?
The Waterboys have released many songs, including “The Whole of the Moon,” “Fisherman’s Blues,” and “A Girl Called Johnny.”
12. Can you explain the line “I saw the crescent, you saw the whole of the moon”?
The line is a metaphor that describes the difference in perspectives between two people. One person only sees a small part of something, while the other sees the whole of it. It’s a way of expressing the idea that some people see things differently and have a broader perspective than others.
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