M*A*S*H suicide is painless 葳蕤2006-11-27 19:25:58

This is a GREAT song. The music hits just the right note with its gentleness and hint of underlying sorrow. And the lyrics perfectly capture the spirit of the film, mocking defeatism while acknowledging their suffering.

THE SCENE: Capt. Walter Kosciusko "Painless Pole" Waldowski - the best equipped dentist in the army - has decided his womanizing is merely a cover-up for homosexuality. Feeling he has nothing to live for, he can see only one way out: suicide. Painless seeks out his surgical friends for a quick and easy method. "Black capsule!" says Trapper John. Painless wonders if it will really work but is assured by Trapper, "It worked for Hitler and Eva Braun." So the stage is set for the Last Supper. Painless consumes his Black Capsule and lies down in his coffin. At this Private Seidman, accompanied by guitar, begins to sing:

"Suicide is Painless" Music by Johnny Mandel Lyrics by Mike Altman 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... [REFRAIN] 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 to late, and... REFRAIN The game of life is hard to play I'm going to lose it anyway the losing card I'll someday lay so this is all I have to say REFRAIN 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 REFRAIN 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... REFRAIN 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?' '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.

You are listening to Lady&bird version

M*A*S*H oundtrack version: