The opening line "Hello darkness, my old friend" is from the song "The Sound of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel. Released in 1964, "The Sound of Silence" became one of Simon & Garfunkel's most well-known and enduring songs. It captures a sense of introspection and reflection, and the haunting melody combined with poetic lyrics resonated with listeners, making it a classic of folk-rock music. The song's popularity was further heightened when it was included in the soundtrack of the 1967 film "The Graduate."