The Singing represents the deep sense of community present in Ember. It’s a yearly celebration in which all residents of Ember sing three songs: “The Song of the City,” “The Song of the River,” and “The Song of Darkness.” As the celebration was likely intended to do, singing these songs gives Ember’s residents something to work together on to make beautiful. Tellingly, as Lina secretly listens to “The Song of the River” while trying to evade capture, she feels as though the song (and all the people singing it) is telling her to go and leave Ember—something that, if she’s successful, will allow her to give back to the city and her community by discovering the way out. Further, when the power goes out during this Singing, Ember’s residents voices waver but continue singing stronger than ever—a clear indicator of the sense of community present in Ember, which the Singing makes a point to celebrate every year.
The Singing Symbol Timeline in The City of Ember
