There were days when each hour was a war I fought to survive
There were nights full of nightmares and I dreaded closing my eyes
There were skies that burst open with a downpour to drown me alive
But the world took a spark like a match in the dark
And the fire brought me to life
So I'm fanning the flames to climb so high
'Cause theres no other way we can stay alive
'Cause we're burning bright
As we all unite
And when it's all said and done
We'll shine like the sun
So don't let the fire die
And we'll watch the sky
As it fills with light
And though the embers are new
Whatever you do, just don't let the fire die
And you'll find there'll be mornings
When the ashes and embers are cold
But you'll fight with a passion
And you'll never stop 'cause you know
Yeah you know, it gets better
And your story is yet to be told
Every push, every shove, every war, every love
Yeah, the coals are beginning to glow
So I'm fanning the flames to climb so high
'Cause theres no other way we can stay alive
'Cause we're burning bright
As we all unite
And when it's all said and done
We'll shine like the sun
So don't let the fire die
And we'll watch the sky
As it fills with light
And though the embers are new
Whatever you do, just don't let the fire die
Don't let the fire die
It gets better
Just don't let the fire die, no
'Cause we're burning bright (burning bright)
As we all unite
And when it's all said and done
We'll shine like the sun
So don't let the fire die
And we'll watch the sky (watch the sky)
As it fills with light
And though the embers are new
Whatever you do, just don't let the fire die
And though the embers are new
Whatever you do, just don't let the fire die
Don't let the fire die.
Embers
Embers Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Embers" by Owl City explores themes of overcoming adversity and finding renewed purpose. The opening verses vividly describe past struggles, portraying life as a battle, nights filled with fear, and overwhelming despair akin to being drowned. These lines establish a foundation of hardship, setting the stage for a transformative turning point. The narrative shifts dramatically with the line "But the world took a spark like a match in the dark, and the fire brought me to life," signifying a sudden infusion of hope and vitality that emerged from the darkness.
The central metaphor of fire and embers represents resilience, passion, and the life force itself. The song pivots to an active response to this new life, urging the fanning of flames to reach great heights, positing that this sustained effort is essential for survival. This imagery moves from passive suffering to active engagement, emphasizing that overcoming past trials requires continued effort and commitment.
The chorus serves as an anthem of unity and enduring spirit. It declares a collective purpose, "burning bright / As we all unite," highlighting the strength found in solidarity. The vision extends beyond the present struggle, looking towards a future where "when it's all said and done / We'll shine like the sun." The core imperative repeated throughout the song is "don't let the fire die," a powerful call to persevere, maintain hope, and continue striving despite challenges. The image of watching the sky fill with light reinforces the promise of a brighter future resulting from this enduring spirit.
The second verse acknowledges the inevitable difficult periods that follow trials, recognizing that "there'll be mornings / When the ashes and embers are cold." However, it immediately counters this with a message of hope and perseverance: "But you'll fight with a passion / And you'll never stop 'cause you know / Yeah you know, it gets better." This provides a realistic perspective that the journey isn't without setbacks, but reinforces the belief in future improvement and the unfolding of one's story. The line "the coals are beginning to glow" subtly echoes the opening verses' spark, suggesting that even in low moments, the potential for renewed fire remains.
The song's message is one of encouragement and the power of sustained hope and effort. The release of the song's video on July 31, 2018, brought this uplifting message to a wider audience. While Owl City's work often reflects themes of faith, the song's primary focus lies in the universal human experience of confronting despair, finding a catalyst for change, and actively working to maintain that newfound vitality against future difficulties, emphasizing the importance of not allowing one's inner light or passion to extinguish. The repeated phrase "It gets better" serves as a simple yet profound reminder of the potential for improvement and the motivation to keep the embers alive.
