Final answer:
Trapped in a tunnel, the group's mood likely shifted from distress to solidarity and hope when they started singing "Lean on Me," reflecting the historical power of shared song to unify and comfort during trying times.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the group of 4,000 people on their way to view Obama's inauguration found themselves trapped in a tunnel, their mood might have been one of anxiety, frustration or fear. However, as the group started singing "Lean on Me," this collective act could have transformed the mood from distress to solidarity and hope.
Throughout history, music has played a vital role in unifying groups during troubling times. For instance, slaves would express joy and sadness through song, and presidents like Bill Clinton used the power of speech, akin to music in its emotional reach, to comfort the nation during emergencies.
Similarly, Obama's presidency, inspiring to many, faced the challenge of unifying a diverse and often polarized nation. In this context, singing together could provide a sense of shared identity and support, reflecting the uplifting and therapeutic power of communal singing to lift spirits during challenging situations.