What is the name of the theme song from the TV show "MAS*H"?

"Suicide Is Painless” is a song written by Johnny Mandel (music) and Mike Altman (lyrics), which was the well-known theme song for both the movie and TV series M*A*S*H. Mike Altman is the son of the original film’s director, Robert Altman. He was a 14 years old boy when he wrote the lyrics that were destined to become a true hit. Robert Altman said that while he only made $70,000 for having directed the movie, his son had earned more than $1 million for having co-written the song.

When the TV show was pitched to the CBS, the creators wanted "Suicide Is Painless" to be the theme song sung during the opening credits. The network thought that the song would be too provocative outside of the context seen in the movie. Not to be denied, several instrumental versions of the song were created and used as the theme for the TV series.

The song was extremely popular and remained one of the favorite TV series soundtracks of all times. It became a number one hit in the UK Singles Chart in May 1980. The song was ranked #66 on AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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88 Comments

Janice Loggins

I grew up with that show, it is still the best show ever.

Richard price

Best TV show ever

Ed Bona

James Poli If you had served in the US military perhaps you would better relate to the absurd black comedy.

Lisa Rodrigues

Johnny Mandel - Suicide Is Painless Through early morning fog I see Visions of the things to be The pains that are withheld for me I realize and I can see That suicide is painless It brings on many changes And I can take or leave it if I please I try to find a way to make All our little joys relate Without that ever-present hate But now I know that it's too late, and That suicide is painless It brings on many changes And I can take or leave it if I please The game of life is hard to play I'm gonna lose it anyway The losing card I'll someday lay So this is all I have to say That suicide is painless It brings on many changes And I can take or leave it if I please The only way to win is cheat And lay it down before I'm beat And to another give my seat For that's the only painless feat That suicide is painless It brings on many changes And I can take or leave it if I please The sword of time will pierce our skins It doesn't hurt when it begins But as it works its way on in The pain grows stronger watch it grin, but That suicide is painless It brings on many changes And I can take or leave it if I please A brave man once requested me To answer questions that are key Is it to be or not to be And I replied 'Oh, why ask me?' That suicide is painless It brings on many changes And I can take or leave it if I please 'Cause suicide is painless It brings on many changes And I can take or leave it if I please And you can do the same thing if you please

Raven Berlowitz

James Poli As a veteran and having been a patient in a m.a.s.h unit, the humor is dark but for good reason, and though you have a right to your opinion, I'd love to give you mine in private but I'd be arrested for murder or at least assault. Your tirade just goes to show that opinions are a lot like a**holes, everyone has one but they should be kept to yourself.

Bank-Robber

Never knew the name of the song thanks to majority vote I got it correct!!!!

JohnnyRoulette

Apologies to LisanRodrigues, who had already thoroughly covered this in the comments below mine. I should have looked first

JohnnyRoulette

Watch the movie. You’ll understand the title Nd lyrics. Yes, it has lyrics. Great Johnny Mandel song

Dennis Lane

Lisa Rodrigues, I was just this morning wondering what the lyrics are. Thank you!

Corey Taylor

Best episode ever? Either "Point Of View" or "War Of Nerves"

Char

Mash is still on MeTV or Cozy TV.. I've watched it a few times. Used to watch it every week..

Char

Lisa Rodrigues, OK so that's why I haven't heard it before..in every way we humans find ways to find humour in our situations or on other things to get us through..though war is suicide for many both sides I think there is truth I'm both song and show.. those who cannot bend will break is the way I feel. Thanks for the words you the song

Char

Lisa Rodrigues, Thanks

Lisa Rodrigues

Darlene Davidson, Agreed! The movie is a classic.

Lisa Rodrigues

The lyrics were deemed too depressing for the TV comedy spin-off of the original move.

james parrillo

I suppose I could have remembered the correct name. It was in a recent question, but I did not. I thought the realistic parts of the program may have been scrambling for the proper supplies and letters to loved ones at home. The programs also had repeated scenes of attacks, where the staff covered patients' bodies and debris dropped from the ceiling. Thank you, Christine, James's wife

Howard Groopman

Friends and I saw the movie when it was brand new and that's where the song originated. In 1972, I was working in midtown Manhattan as a temp mailman. I was walking past Radio City Music Hall when someone approached me and asked if I would come to an office that afternoon to preview a new TV show. I agreed and went into a room with other random people. It was the pilot episode of M*A*S*H. There were gadgets on the table for us to register our approval or disapproval throughout the show. I think we picked a winner! They gave us each a CBS pen for our troubles, that's it.