M*A*S*H (Suicide Is Painless)

Johnny Mandel's 'M*A*S*H (Suicide Is Painless)' is a poignant and introspective song that delves into the dark and often taboo subject of suicide. The lyrics, written by Mike Altman, are deeply reflective, exploring the emotional and psychological turmoil that can lead one to consider ending their life. The song opens with a somber tone, describing the foggy morning and the visions of future pains, setting the stage for a contemplation of life's hardships and the perceived relief that suicide might bring.

The recurring refrain, 'That suicide is painless, it brings on many changes, and I can take or leave it if I please,' serves as a chilling reminder of the finality and the perceived control over one's fate that suicide represents. The lyrics suggest a sense of inevitability and resignation, as the narrator acknowledges the difficulties of life and the ultimate 'losing card' they will lay down. This sense of fatalism is further emphasized by the idea that the only way to 'win' the game of life is to cheat, implying that life is inherently unfair and filled with insurmountable challenges.

The song also touches on the philosophical question of existence, referencing the famous query 'to be or not to be.' The narrator's response, 'oh why ask me,' underscores the sense of hopelessness and the feeling that there are no easy answers to life's most profound questions. The imagery of the 'sword of time' piercing the skin and the growing pain it brings is a powerful metaphor for the relentless passage of time and the accumulating burdens it imposes. Ultimately, 'M*A*S*H (Suicide Is Painless)' is a stark and thought-provoking exploration of despair, the search for meaning, and the contemplation of escape through suicide.