to burst into song

[Englishlanguage]

Hello everbody!

I don't really understand the meaning of the expression to burst into song.
I have this example:

As soon as the singer came on stage he burst into song

Does it just mean to start singing?
Does it also have a figurative meaning?
In which kind of situations can it be used?

I will be glad if you could help me with this.

Thank you

 

[riquecohen]

He started singing with a sudden emotional force.
"He burst out laughing" or "he burst into tears."