The MASH song...

LTC Stephen C.. I find it very hard to believe this pure poetic verse was written to be the stupidist song by a fourteen year old child. I remember hearing it coming out reel to reel recorder in nurses quarters . . . played it over and over . . . felt deeply meaningful to me . . . as young nurse who had never seen so much blood and pain . . . and many horribly injured, dying, and dead patients. I still find it a kind, tender, sentimental reminder of another time and place. Warmest Regards, Sandy

SUICIDE IS PAINLESS ( MASH [THE MOVIE] RELEASED 1970 )

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 too late, and...

[REFRAIN]

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.

[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?'

[REFRAIN]

'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.

Here's some irony for you regarding the song, more specifically as to the composition of the lyrics. I almost hated to read this, because I think the song is also quite poignant.
The song was written specifically for Ken Prymus (the actor playing Private Seidman), who sang it during the faux suicide of Walter "Painless Pole" Waldowski (John Schuck) in the film's "Last Supper" scene. Robert Altman (director) had two stipulations about the song for composer, Johnny Mandel. Firstly, it had to be called "Suicide Is Painless". Secondly, it had to be the "stupidest song ever written". Altman tried to write the lyrics himself, but found that it was too difficult for his 45-year-old brain to write "stupid enough". Instead he gave the task to his 14-year-old-son, Michael, who apparently wrote the lyrics in five minutes. (Wikipedia article)

MAJ (Join to see) and COL Vincent Stoneking and MSgt Michael Durkee

Wow, that is a sad song, MAJ (Join to see). I always liked the song and I loved the show. Thanks for sharing it.