Johnny Mandel - Suicide Is Painless (Audio)

[@justdope1963]

'The game of life is hard to play. I'm gonna lose it anyway.' That hits me every time I hear it.

[@mikeyates7931]

AMEN

[@roymarius1634]

It is _literally_ the mentality of a loser.

[@hittaman8067]

@@roymarius1634 so true bro pure sign of defeatism

[@johnyzero2000]

@@roymarius1634 Please don't volunteer at a suicide prevention center.

[@moontiger6393]

@@roymarius1634 It was the mentality of Paul Erdős, the most prolific mathematician of the 20th century, and arguably the most ingenious and dedicated problem solver and poser in all of human history, quoting from Paul Hoffman's biography, "The man who only loved numbers": ' "The game of life," Erdős often said, "is to keep the SF's score low. If you do something bad in life, the SF gets two points. If you don't do something good that you should have done, the SF gets one point. You never score, so the SF always wins." ' [SF here was the way Erdős referred to God, calling him the Supreme Fascist. This may seem cynical, but Erdos was known for his amusingly original words to refer to many things, so this may be considered playful eccentricity] And yet even with this view, Erdős dedicated his life to the truth and achieved far more than many ever will. The way I see it, accepting that life is a losing game isn't a loser's mentality, it's just an acknowledgement of the reality of the situation. We will all die far before we can achieve, learn and experience everything we are capable of. From birth, we are all making choices that clip off more and more possibilties until we have no choices left at the end, and so we cannot avoid failing to achieve many of the things which we could possibly have done. We lose no matter what. But in accepting this fact, perhaps we will realise that if nothing else, we are still free to choose between resignation to total failure, or struggling to the very end to do the absolute best that we can do, even if we will still die with so much undone. This I believe is the way Erdős saw things. He died at a conference of a heart attack at the age of 83, almost certainly doing significant mathematics the same day, to the very end he didn't let the SF get any easy points. Indeed, this was basically how he had hoped to die: 'I want to be giving a lecture, finishing up an important proof on the blackboard, when someone in the audience shouts out, 'What about the general case?'. I'll turn to the audience and smile, 'I'll leave that to the next generation,' and then I'll keel over' - Paul Erdős Is that the sign of a loser's mentality?

[@dupp5730]

This song is unironically beautiful in so many ways

[@jennifersaar1611]

That verse about the sword of time going slowly deeper in is great. Terrific metaphor. Say what you want about a kid writing the lyrics, that is a good set of lines.

[@theID2]

it's not just that line. the whole song is excellently written.

[@thomasferrusi1345]

I'm sure the expertise of the father rubbed off on the son. thats why he was able to do it.

[@kellyjordan8507]

Yeah, the hour hand and minute hand of a watch.

[@taxevasion0336]

time still turns the pages of the book its burnt

[@xyz-yb6ep]

One of the best metaphor ive ever heard in music

[@thedude9024]

When I was a medic in the Role 2 in HKIA, Afghanistan, there was a young British soldier that took his own life at the age of 19 in a NATO compound. It took 2-3 weeks for the British government to find his NOK and he laid in our morgue for that amount of time, I would of loved to have a chat with him. I counted his personal belongings with the CSM.. it was a rather thoughtful but sad experience.The government sent a beautician team to do a makeover of the body and then a coffin catafloque party brought him to the ramp on the runway. This song will always remind me of that experience. Suicide is probably painless, but it brings on many changes to the people around you, your friends and family... who look after your body and will, wether indirectly or directly involved. People sometimes don't understand the meaning of this song.. Watching from the rear window of the ambulance and seeing the British carry their comrade to their Globemaster on their shoulders and the deceased soldier's unit looking on will remain with me for some time. That is war in a nutshell. Its not the glorious depiction you see...

[@pennyisdreadful]

That's fucking terrible and it's unforgivable that the nations of the world put teenagers through this shit for basically no reason. Thank you for your service, I'm sorry that the circumstances of your reality had you pressed into that. Hope you're doing ok.

[@JKTube]

+The Dude: Forgive me, I tried Google and Wikipedia, but I can't find anything that matches. What is a NOK in this context? Thank you.

[@thedude9024]

@@JKTube Next of Kin

[@JKTube]

@@thedude9024: OK, thank you. I probably should have figured it out from context but I just wasn't getting it.

[@thedude9024]

@@JKTube My pleasure Jason :) Happy to talk anytime.

[@vic3roy]

“I can take or leave it if I please” oh man that to me is really powerful.

[@michaelmcarthur2944]

"I guess you're not ready for that one yet, but your kids will love it!"

[@ArielLorusso]

One of the darkest comments of youtube. and i came from Corona - Rhythm of the night... With comments as : "Virus of the night" "i knew it before it went viral" " It hit hard on Eurovision this year " "90s: Corona goes viral worldwide. 2020: Corona still viral " "Corona was catchy in a different way"

[@georgeyaknowthegeorgeyeathatme]

" I don't believe it"

[@tangocharliedd-2146]

Back to the past

[@savannahbarker392]

That’s so funny but so bad!😂😂

[@Sam-bz2zy]

😂😂

[@didimean]

"The game of life is hard to play - I'm gonna lose it anyway" Damn.

[@jbro8934]

"You mock my pain!" "Life IS pain your highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something." - The Princess Bride (1987)

[@zak8458]

Fezzik: I just want you to feel you're doing well. I hate for people to die embarrassed.

[@tonalambiguity3345]

This is such a simple yet poignant truth

[@Arbidarb]

That quote is said as a half truth though. It shows how jaded he had become despite his usual pleasant demeanor.

[@carguybikeguy]

‘He can take away your pain!’ “I don’t want my pain taken away! I NEED my pain!”

[@NRG349]

"LIFE IS PAIN. I WAKE UP EVERY MORNING IN PAIN, I GO TO WORK IN PAIN! You know how many times I wanted to just give up? How many times I thought about ending it?!" - Dr House 2012

[@davidschmidt8553]

“The thought of suicide is a great consolation: by means of it one gets through many a dark night.”― Nietzsche Having been hospitalized multiple times since my teens due to a serious illness, this song has always had meaning for me. And Nietzsche was right--the realization that you have a way out can often help you keep going.

[@DoughboyDavis02]

Thank you David

[@alldud13]

i have no reason to be feeling this way my life isn’t bad but i’m convinced i am i’ve tried many things i don’t think i want to grow old and bitter

[@Pes._]

Thanks for the quote brother man, he has alot of good ones.

[@randyb.hughes4609]

Exactly...the choice is yours...The negative or positive take on Suicide Has a lot to Do with culture. But if you get past that.. you come down to Whose Life is it anyway? Of Course you have to weigh what is left behind

[@obiwanfisher537]

Why would you listen to people who don't have it all together? Honestly, if you want a rolemodel, you should follow someone who is happy and contempt.

[@nicholasbettencourt788]

Lyrics: 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 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 Suicide is painless (suicide) 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 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?" 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

[@Fingers.in.my.veins.]

Thank you

[@ma5839]

Watch the sword of time grin? The lyrics were written by a 15 yo son of the film director & earned him over $1 million dollars. I never should have thrown out those poems & lyrics I wrote when I was 15

[@toddlindsay8846]

MASH is a boring show anyway. 🥱

[@RileyZilla1001]

​@toddlindsay8846 how can you say something stupid yet so brave?

[@toddlindsay8846]

@ because it’s not my favourite, Ok? Got a problem with that?

[@carlijnthielen4956]

Can you imagine that the 14 years old kid of the director wrote the lyrics? Johnny Mandel wrote the perfect music with these lyrics. This was the first single a bought when I was a kid myself. Yes, those 60's and 70's are unforgettible for real good music. And you, who just listened to this song know it too.

[@Howiesangel45]

Rest in peace, Johnny Mandel. Sadly, we just lost him, too.

[@narrowroadtraveler4167]

Dang ever body is taking the eternal leap since covid 19 stepped on the scene ,,, well rip to all live well my friend I'm nobody famous it doesn't matter ready to take my own leap no reason to stick around for me watching every one around me die God bless yall🤟✌️

[@Jkrazy83]

@@narrowroadtraveler4167 love you bro....see you on the other side

[@DirtStarMaster]

95 years old! Agree or not, thats a great, long life to live. The guy will always go down as a legend

[@narrowroadtraveler4167]

@Romanogers4ever I fear nothing of death since covid the death rate of humanity has increased of course everyone knows that ,I enjoy very little to nothing about this world or life itself ,if i had a choice i would have never come here

[@neattricks7678]

@@narrowroadtraveler4167 You gonna film it?

[@brittneydirenzo2418]

The lyrics are amazing. I would be SO proud of my son if he wrote these lyrics. Worried . But proud. Lol

[@winstonmarlowe5254]

The song was meant as a joke. "Painless" was the nickname of a character in the movie.

[@stewartzayat7526]

@@winstonmarlowe5254 doesn't really matter that much what it was meant to be. What matters is that for many the lyrics have a deeper meaning

[@samuelbarrett5701]

thats a little specific lol

[@dionkrebs4677]

Def worries lol

[@petebock7021]

There was no intended connection between song and character. Nice theory though.

[@blu_is_a_name866]

This song is just amazing, it's the only song that has ever gotten me to cry. The words are so oddly comforting, knowing there's suffering and pain all around, that there's always that choice to leave it all behind early, but that fighting through it can always be the best road. As someone who's been down the darker path before, choosing the painless route, ignoring those thoughts is just too hard. Knowing that end to the suffering is always there helps you realize how fragile life can be. Knowing you could go through with it at any time but choosing not to is a real victory that's hard to get. Not wanting to go back down that path, keeping those changes the lyrics mention from happening, it makes it all a little easier to bear knowing that you sticking around keeps people's lives normal. As painless and tempting as it may seem sometimes, the thought that you're helping just by existing makes things much better, even if things get unbearable sometimes. I don't know if that's a little much for a KZbin comment, but it feels nice to put the feelings this song gives me into words. And to anyone who may be feeling like you won't find that victory over your thoughts, keep going. The world is a cruel place sometimes, it can be easy to get pushed past the point where you just want to check out. However, don't take it sitting down. You're stronger than your thoughts, stronger than whatever could drive you to making that decision. There's always a reason to keep fighting, don't take it sitting down, that's no way to go out. Stay strong, everyone, if you needed to hear this then I'm glad I could help. If not, thanks for reading anyway, everyone can come up with their own conclusion as to what the lyrics mean, but I'm glad I could put mine into words and say how much I love this song.

[@kramalerav]

Don’t let the track get you down too much; the lyrics were written by director Altman’s 14-year son in five minutes (he made a cool million from the publishing rights).

[@antoninus2678]

I hope youre doing ok man, best wishes

[@cwhite5464]

Thank you for writing this comment

[@Epsilon-ud5oe]

As someone who has been there before I completley agree

[@epicwinnington8602]

This song has stopped me from suicide many times. There's something oddly empowering about reminding yourself that it's all up to you.

[@harveycryst222]

There’s always a choice. I lost someone close to me in that manner. It’s cathartic. I’ve been down the same road too. We’re still standing. Love you, stranger.

[@Will-ef2tw]

Stare into the abyss. The abyss stairs inside you

[@steveburrows101]

Bang on!

[@MegaJustGeorge]

How very true, my friend - over the past two to three years, I've had thoughts of this terrible act, and yet I've never acted on them; I hope that never happens. BTW, I am seeing a psychotherapist.

[@DonkeyKongAndMarioFan_01]

I almost took my life last night but before I went I listened to this song and now I’m feeling a little better to make it even worse I was playing roblox and some dude just straight up told me to go ahead and have fun…

[@joshwelker2922]

Such a beautiful song.

[@Chaotic-po8oj]

Indeed

[@jose-fz7qn]

^

[@ghostsade3]

This song can cheer me out of mild depression. I guess it's a true reminder that you always have a choice, no matter what. Plus the song is sympathizing with the depressing realization that life is full of pain and suffering, reminding you there's always a way out. This is actually healthy IMO, because life is INDEED full of pain and suffering, but choosing to endure it and strive and thrive regardless is the true meaning that I ascribe to life. Live life like you'd want to go out: fighting. You might even win for a while, and have a decent life to show for it. That's just my two cents.

[@halaman9500]

Yup

[@gloriousblobber9647]

@@ghostsade3 I'd think that would be the meaning of strength aswell, to fight your own battles out of dilligence and fortitude.

[@davidhinkson8856]

This songwriter was one profound 14-year-old! This song is very haunting and the harmonising is beautiful.

[@dazieger]

Yeah, it was Altman's kid who wrote the lyric (Johnny Mandel wrote the music). It's funny, he was asked to write the stupidest lyric he could come up with, but the results were actually pretty good, even profound. And it was a lucky break. His dad only ever made his ~$70k fee for his work as director, but the kid (now in his mid-60s) has made millions over the years off the song, since it's used as the theme to the TV show (albeit without lyrics; he still gets royalties on it).

[@zeltzamer4010]

@@dazieger I know that’s what some sources say, but I always sort of doubted that Altman only made $70k for this movie. It was a massive hit, and he was able to make pretty much nothing but box office bombs for practically two decades without worrying about money it seems.

[@BaalDavaR999]

the harmonies is very beautimus

[@markv1274]

@@zeltzamer4010 You must remember that $70K in 1970 was a lot of money (I believe the actual sum was $75K). Robert Altman, as you have correctly mentioned, had a lot of box office disappointments over the years. However, Altman wasn't driven by money, he just wanted to make good films, and he wanted to do them his way. Altman would be paid a certain amount of money, regardless of how the film performed. He had enough well-received movies, enough of a reputation, that he was able to continue working in cinema for many years. The original poster is correct in what he said regarding Michael Altman earning more than what his father did from the movie.

[@fionam3554]

@@zeltzamer4010 It was his breakout movie. He has a number of Oscar nominations, Golden globe nominations, etc - AFTER this. You get paid on your track history. Much like I imagine Mark Hamill got a relatively small paycheck for Star Wars.... but BIG bucks in Empire Strikes Back. After MASH, Altman was OSCAR-NOMINATED Altman, who had a major box office hit. That gets you jobs and money.

[@Chaotic-po8oj]

I don't know why, but this song actually makes me feel better for some reason. Maybe its because I love the lyrics, idk.

[@qhotdog9343]

Chaotic Shark777 that's because it's a song about NOT killing yourself. Not sure why so many people think it's dark. Personally, I'd say it's one of the happiest songs ever written. "And I can take it or leave it if I please" means the option is always there, and remembering that is the ultimate way to keep yourself moving forward.

[@Chaotic-po8oj]

That does make sense now that you mention it. That may be the reason I like so much then, cool!

[@Erik-ko6lh]

To be or not be...why ask me? I think it is a life affirming song.

[@cetkat]

It's empowering because it reminds you everything, including life, is a choice. When things spiral and you feel like you have no say or control - you do.

[@shep6489]

Quantitative Hotdog Are you sure? I'm pretty sure the song was made specifically for a character's staged suicide that all the characters supported. It was also meant to be a really stupid song.

[@laterunner2023]

I've known this song for many years. But today, after having a really tough time, it's the first time I understand it. I will take it, and never leave it.

[@gregwall6553]

Talk about a song that means something different as you go through life, and means much more at 65 than it did in high school.

[@dwayne1625]

I can’t imagine how depressing that must be

[@kramalerav]

*”and means much more at 65..”* The lyrics were hastily written by a fourteen-year kid (director Altman’s son).

[@yolandamanalo1355]

I was in high school then, too. Didn't have meaning to me then. But now, I'm 72...

[@aurorauplinks]

@@kramalerav a 14 year old during the beginning of the Vietnam war and the draft and his older classmates and peoples older brothers, and their children, dying. That changes things and peoples perceptions. I suspect he was feeling a heavy burden on him that even he didn't realize until he was writing it. One of the more therapeutic depressing songs.

[@zacharyzachary9576]

Grow up and stop regurgitating false statements

[@weedmonkeymerchant_9121]

I love songs like these when upbeat melodies are contrasted with bleak lyrics. It always gives the words and overall message more impact.

[@mikeyates7931]

Then you should check out the original version of "last kiss"

[@Hulksmashhulkregret]

Check out Paramour Hard Times, good stuff!

[@AdaptiveApeHybrid]

You should check out old albums by of Montreal Kevin Barnes has a real knack for that imo. Part of why I'm a huge fan of them. Old People in a Cemetery is a good start

[@imrustyokay]

That is the Forte of They Might Be Giants.

[@saddamhussein8489]

Listen to There is a light that never goes out

[@ghostsade3]

This song can cheer me out of mild depression. I guess it's a true reminder that you always have a choice, no matter what. Plus the song is sympathizing with the depressing realization that life is full of pain and suffering, reminding you there's always a way out. This is actually healthy IMO, because life is INDEED full of pain and suffering, but choosing to endure it and strive and thrive regardless is the true meaning that I ascribe to life. Live life like you'd want to go out: fighting. You might even win for a while, and have a decent life to show for it. That's just my two cents.

[@bonchidude]

It is not life that is full of pain. it is a lot of other people that cause pain and suffering. The way the world works is f*cked up because a select few people benefit from such a dysfunctional and unfair set of rules. Also many other people in general to a smaller degree f*ck things up too.

[@emikso6482]

I actually needed to read this, thank you

[@stefanbraun7427]

@@bonchidude you sound like a young kid who hasn't lived life yet.

[@stefanbraun7427]

@@bonchidude take responsibility for your actions. No one else makes you feel any way, that's on you my friend! You have choices on how to feel.

[@Jack-Anonymous]

ghostsade3 Exactly.

[@LlwtyDeer]

*ATTENTION ALL PERSONEL: INCOMING WOUNDED*

[@garrett_69777]

*YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO FOLKS!*

[@duck_man289]

"that is all"

[@lorenzomoro1313]

A lot of wounded. Luckily there were the most unlikable surgeons within the MASH unit in Korea, opps I meant in Vietnam🤡😞

[@tayakennedy1625]

Classic

[@realflameblazer]

*HAWKEYE, GET UP!*

[@dey4588]

Suicide still hurts. It gives your pain to everyone who cared and loved you. A pain they can never put down. Stay alive. Yes it hurts, but the sword of time is coming so find a way to live today

[@richardtorz2164]

As someone who has attempted this twice while my first marriage was crumbling and finally seeking help and overcoming it and finally meeting a woman who helped me through it too, this song hits home, telling me me i made the right choice to fight those feelings of dread and depression.

[@hittaman8067]

Sounds like you should give God a try just saying

[@007lamiss]

god you love bro :) happy for you, happy you're still with us

[@armybeef68]

Twice? That's it? Weakling.

[@pennyisdreadful]

@@hittaman8067 or you know, modern medicine and therapy instead of a made up sky fairy with nothing but bad takes.

[@user-pp1on4fk7d]

@@pennyisdreadful shut up

[@starrhall6027]

What a sad and beautiful song for a wonderful and perfect show

[@wyattsmithee4332]

Starr Hall can you believe a 14 year old wrote this

[@theapexsurvivor9538]

wyatt smithee I'm more surprised that it wasn't more depressing than it is....

[@themandownstairs4643]

TheApexSurvivor yes...space jam......

[@ag358]

wyatt smithee Mike wrote the words for the movie. The show's theme was just the music. Only radar played in movie and show

[@bored_person]

@@wyattsmithee4332 Only a 14 year old could write this. I could've written this when I was 14.

[@fearfuljbomb4191]

This is really catchy.

[@A22A101]

Fearful Jbomb please don't turn it into a nightcore.

[@brazilianhumanbean559]

Adexo or AMV

[@ag358]

Fearful Jbomb the director from the movie Robert Altman. His son wrote the words. He was 14 years old

[@reginald-du7zo]

Adexo kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXPaha2Vo6eZhpo :)

[@bonchidude]

But make sure it is NOT too catchy!

[@michaelfranklin4276]

Talk about a perfect song at the right time in history. Even though MASH is set in the Korean conflict, this song sums up the misery of blood soaked Vietnam. Spit out of the wobbling late sixties into the uncertain void of the early seventies, this song makes you THINK. Such a pretty melody for such somber poetry. Right on, Johnny Mandell.

[@jonnnyren6245]

"War isn't hell. War is war, and Hell is Hell." "Well, boys, it would be hard to call what we've been through fun, but I'm sure glad we went through it together. You boys always managed to give me a good laugh right when I needed it most. Never forget the time you dropped Winchester's drawers in the O.R. 'Course I had to pretend I was mad at ya, but inside I was laughing to beat all hell." "Frank, do you know what a hero is? Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, he's somebody who's tired enough and cold enough and hungry enough not to give a damn. I don't give a damn." "Minding my own business is a full-time job. In my spare time, it's my hobby. I can't divide myself emotionally. I couldn't break my word to Peg, and not because God will send me to Hell without an electric fan or because it's not the right thing to do. I simply don't want to." "Great little war we have here."

[@xMONOCHROMEx]

This song transcends generation. Amazing writing.

[@gonderage]

How could this depressing song be the theme song of such a good comedy show? Maybe life is just a joke.

[@edgesdragon888]

It's half melancholy but it's also half tongue in cheek.

[@hansolo050]

Think about all the scenes in the show when it got really serious. It was about war in all the good moments, and the bad. It was genius in how it balanced the light hearted with death

[@ryangolden9425]

Even though it seems life pushes you around, you just got to make it the best you can, even if you lose someone close to you.

[@omgzitsmilk]

If I may, from a vet standpoint, service in General has it's ups and downs. I can't even begin to imagine the stresses of running a camp like that in that time period. But it's the amazing times with friends and the shitty times with friends that you remember most.

[@superaids3849]

that show was pretty depressing

[@Thelostfox383]

Forgetting the great show behind this song. On its own, this song holds such beauty/ power. it truly is a masterpiece of time. I am only 22 but I love this song and the show.

[@davidbezer5011]

Movie introduced it made it a big hit

[@eyesoars9212]

It makes a lot more sense with the movie.

[@AuraSight]

This is a sombre song indeed, but also almost refreshingly honest in a way No empty "life is good" platitudes It just sits you down and says "Look, life is hard and it hurts like hell, and only you can decide for yourself if it's worth it."

[@ftrwar]

my dad fought in the korean war, never talked about it. always sat me down to watch this with him. never remembered him laughing at the comedy in it, idk if it was semi close to people he came across back then or what.

[@aurorauplinks]

maybe its what he wanted, a happy ending, and for someone to care, and for friends to be in camaraderie and relatively safe? A way to share some of his life with you perhaps or to give you a more cheerful version of it so you and he could share that moment? Perhaps. I am not too experienced with that, but fathers want to share connections with their sons generally.

[@evahamrick3282]

It was written by Altman's 14 year-old son. He, Altman made $7000 for the movie. His son made over $1 million for the song. Go figure.

[@MysteriumArcanum]

And I heard in a video about this song that Altman constantly referred to his son as a "worthless idiot" as well as hurling other verbal abuse at him. So who's laughing now huh?

[@ApatheticTwink]

$70,000* btw, not just 7k.

[@88porpoise]

@@MysteriumArcanum Well the requirements for the lyrics were to include the lyric "suicide is painless" and to be incredibly stupid. Altman apparently asked his son to help him when he couldn't come up with anything he felt was stupid enough. And Johnny Mandel also deserves credit for his amazing music. Remember the TV show used an instrumental version as it's theme (although I always add the lyrics myself when watching).

[@ayeroxor]

@@88porpoise 🤣🤣🤣 ignoring the fact that most stupid songs are written by adults

[@aRandomFox00]

@@88porpoise Ironically the song is surprisingly deep, just that he was too stupid to get it.

[@stevarino1989]

I sometimes watch MASH on Me-TV in the evenings. The music is so calming. I wasn't born yet when it was on (it ended 6 years before I was born) but I have seen it here and there. It's a very unique plot.

[@hunkydory7139]

The bizzare synergy of humour and tragic war reality really makes this show very interesting and unique.

[@adamsmailes5484]

It ended some 20 years or so before I was born but it's a timeless show. As long as there is an ongoing war in a faraway place, it'll hit home.

[@trapperjohn6911]

You should definitely read the book it and the movie is based on. It's amazing

[@Ono-AntitineSun]

2:12 and so on is my favorite part... It's like... so nostalgic for some reason.... It's like, I can see clips from my past pass before my eyes.... So sad...

[@Blasko86]

Just watched the movie for the first time last night after watching the TV show pretty regularly the past 5 years or so. I had no idea the theme song had lyrics to it, pretty dark stuff man.

[@swanvictor887]

....it was a pretty dark war....

[@ibnkhaldoun4319]

i LOVE the message of this song. that suicide isn't necessarily a good thing, but the comfort of knowing it's there as an option IS a good thing that can help you.

[@michaelnolan7637]

find what you love and let it kill you

[@Taofik953]

i love myself

[@bobskets8702]

I love North Korea

[@adaisychain4azathoth]

nihilism makes me happy i love death

[@axis_tilted]

i love toothpicks

[@shaboiii5387]

F I N D W H A T Y O U L O V E A N D L E T I T K I L L Y O U

[@carolynbarnes7098]

I grew up in my teens listening to this song. It makes me sad but at the same time it brings me comfort.

[@royorbisonssunglasses6440]

RIP Johnny Mandel, one of the best themes ever.

[@zachsmith5216]

We sang this song in 3rd grade music class in 1977...

[@aqua6613]

A very thoughtful teacher to organize this one. ..rather macabre.. teacher would be fired for this these days

[@lesliesmithjr9354]

I'm just wondering...... how many people have taken themselves out, listening to this iconic classic, being the last song they heard?

[@morphiousm]

I often think about taking myself out to this song specifically, if I ever do off myself I’d want the last thing I hear to be this beautiful music

[@aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh6424]

@@morphiousm People love you mate, things gets better eventually

[@jesepiorlando2836]

I tried

[@nallenthepuh]

​@@jesepiorlando2836even though life is hard sometimes life has far to many good moments to end it. stay with us.

[@adam.s.1838]

I tried , I felt at peace listening to this song while I tried.. so close

[@woobiefuntime]

Best wedding song ever

[@Tom-gu9cs]

Funniest comment on here. LOL

[@DeezNuts-vj4ws]

rage against the nagging wife

[@veverettm]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@mikeyates7931]

I don't know who you are , but you're my new best friend

[@sweetydeerhound4075]

woobiefuntime hahahaha you are a bad ass the sharpest and most concise dark humour resume , i ever read on this subject...

[@goodgollymisspolly5163]

I remember picking this song out on the guitar shortly after Film was released. My friend told me I was morbid. She didn't know my uncle had died of suicide. I was intrigued with the subject matter for a 14 year old. Deep Waters. I wanted to Understand.

[@goodgollymisspolly5163]

Much later in life, I realized Uncle Jimmy died from PTSD, after being blinded as a young adult. He keeps me wise and not too serious.

[@greeniem]

Deep waters. You got that right. It is, isn't it?

[@Pes._]

@@goodgollymisspolly5163 PTSD is a slow killer my friend, Its hard to do much. Even when you know all the tools and have sharpened them

[@Sirfishy42]

By far one of the best shows ever made. Plus Alan Alda is speaking at my college in the SPRING.

[@frankfranks2308]

Nicholas Milich well the man who wrote the book (pen name Richard hooker....cant remember the spelling of his real name) refused to watch the show because alda was a left wing nut and Richard hornberger (I think was his real name) was a conservative who was pretty much the opposite of aldas character. mash is my favorite. Hawkeye and bj are too liberalized but it's a great show. from those vets I've talked to, mash is way far off from what a real mash unit was like back then.

[@MarkTuson]

You misspelled "film", and Alan Alda wasn't in it.

[@ccruz1014]

@@frankfranks2308 It was a show Joe. A show.

[@zekedia2223]

Give me 15 dolla’ joe! I wan’ 15 dolla’ ! Who the hell are you?! 15 dolla or break legs!

[@yosefdemby8792]

@@MarkTuson And the TV show wasn't even an iota good?

[@RobertsonT100]

How much a man can endure in a life can make him a soldier if he's close to God and learn about loss in so many ways and win with the best things such as his family and the ones their married to living day to day is everyone's Mash

[@ronaldlobb1773]

Sad to say so much truth to this song. You've had a good life if you don't see it ...

[@DANMINARD]

This sounds like the Beach Boys gave-up surfing

[@dxo8809]

It brought on many changes.

[@gerwinnus]

I fuckin' laughed so hard xD

[@milenkocovic]

Brilliant joke 😊 Bravo

[@Hal9000ize]

So Pet Sounds

[@DANMINARD]

@@milenkocovic I'm tryin'.. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@mjbr1010]

The song hits a note. the sword of time it takes us all, we start out young full of life and energy and slowly we age and our bodies turn against us, that we no longer are the person we were. Least on the outside. I feel like a teenager stuck in the body of an old man.

[@DWG_]

We spend our entire life pushing the sword out that we eventually get weaker, the trade off of becoming older faster is that we have a few moments in life that are true moments of happiness, if I've learned anything in my 13 years of life is that once you hit rock bottom, its only up from there

[@LanceABoyle]

I'm at the age now that wherever I get a check-up at the doctor it's bad news.

[@brianl.7105]

lol rock bottom at 13, I feel like it only can get worse after that age

[@inovakovsky]

@@DWG_ Or remain at rock bottom for some.

[@davida6146]

This is my current mood and I have this on repeat.

[@user-op9mv5lq1u]

I feel you

[@ErurainonTheWhite]

Same here.

[@Fullprops]

You still here with us, pal?

[@davis1024]

I feel the same. A divorce, getting old, lost everything I own. I don’t cry. Listening to this song...repeatedly I did

[@markdanielresquita7490]

Same here man... I just feel like everyone is tired of me...

[@cooldude-vp4lf]

there is something so hypnotic about this. people nowadays fear death despite the fact its inevitable. everyone has become desencetised to the though but fear the unknown day regardless. so hear someone reffering to suicide as painless is so odlly soothing

[@xyz-yb6ep]

I wasnt born in 70ties but that song makes me travel trough time to that exact age. Amazing

[@joseherrera5777]

Rest in Peace Johnny Mandel, your music has been stuck in our heads for decades.

[@Rinzler3757]

Ever since my Grandpa died, every time I hear this song he is all me and my ma think about, and all the times she ask him about the Korean war and he would never say anything about it. I even remember the exact day he died Sept. 27th 2007 Rest In Peace Grandpa. You did your country proud.

[@themonopolyguy4365]

Rinzler 667 My grandpa was also a Korean War vet and never wanted to talk about it either. He suffered from ptsd but refused to get help. He passed away October 12, 2010. This song breaks my heart. God bless those who served and serve today. Thank you for our lives.

[@fluggert5261]

My Grandpa was also a Korean War Vet but he never saw action because he was a cook in the states. Im thankful for that.

[@213213yoyo]

Rest in peace

[@sleepercell9926]

It gets way worse than that. It'll happen to your mother your father, closest friends. You get harder each time it happens though.

[@The-Big-Boss]

Well I can relate to you both my grandad also served in the Korean war he did his country proud he suffers from PTSD because of his time as a P.O.W he was abusive to my mom and my nana she died of of overdose I barley knew her but the only reason he got better was because of me he wanted to be better to be around me and my mom and him made up I don't know how much longer we'll have him around but I'm glad he's here

[@kennethkendaarkennedy2689]

I imagine this being played at my funeral, as some people hold back laughter; others may start crying.

[@harryknackers7892]

People won't care what is played at your funeral - they will just want to get out of there ASAP, KKK.

[@rueryuuzaki5448]

Hold back laughter? Why would they laugh at your funeral lmaoo

[@winstonmarlowe5254]

@@rueryuuzaki5448 Can't understand what he means? Well, you soon will.

[@MrJimmyTide]

@@winstonmarlowe5254 They have a tendency to wear their mind on their sleeve. They have a history of losing their shirt.

[@chrissmith7669]

@@rueryuuzaki5448I hope people think of me, smile and laugh

[@thislilkitchenmaid]

Me and my ex binged the first season of this show. We're not together anymore and this song just flat out depresses me now. 😂

[@healngwithhopeandempathy]

Played this on saxophone 🎷 in band and too true for some of us sometimes. But after almost dying several times in past years from different causes, believe in life and love 💞♾️🌈☮️ for me and have mourned the passing of a past lover who took her life in 2007 and two other friends too. I almost died very peacefully one time this past year yet regretted not being able to say goodbye to loved ones. It may be painless but can leave others in pain and grief and sorrow.

[@jerrypaugh6801]

Just a beautiful song and one great TV and movies theme song of all time think about it

[@TRACKBROKERZ]

This song is happy and sad all at once, it tells us to embrace death in a sarcastic but melodic way

[@mcveigh2k624]

Goodbye farewell and amen was and always be the best final episode of any show

[@sectorz1019]

I remember when I was 5 I first watched mash with my dad and I absolutely fell in love with both the show and the movie,this song just fits it like a glove to someone's hand

[@RTanna89]

The lyrics of this are pretty dark to learn in second grade awake from one to three at night every night watching Nick at night strung out on Ritalin. Pretty sure I dream of jeany was on either before or after, definitely remember that too.

[@cookscreativecorner]

I was introduced to the MASH show around my senior year of high school, and when I entered college, I became a Film Production Major. As an assignment, we had to find five (during the semesters) or ten films (during the summers) to review, and this was one of those on the list. I had trouble finding the film, for some reason, but eventually found it on TV. It's definitely great, and I won't try to compare it to the series because of how different they are (though I still watch the show as much as I can). Interestingly enough, though, as someone who has attempted suicide a few times, this song actually gives me comfort.

[@dazieger]

I suffer from depression myself and have frequently been suicidal (doing very well right now, thank God or whoever) and yes, this song is oddly comforting. There's a lot for a film student - or any cinephile - to unpack in Altman's work. I love the naturalistic use of dialogue, the kind of roughshod cuts from scene to scene (no waiting for comic "beats" or fading in/out). There's almost a cinema verite feel to most of his films that hides how exquisitely and painstakingly planned and rehearsed his scenes and shots are. I think M*A*S*H kind of unravels in the end, loses focus, but it's still a treasure.

[@cookscreativecorner]

@@dazieger I think that's one of the reasons I preferred the show a bit, because it felt like it very rarely lost focus, and if it ever did, it was after a major storyline came to a head.

[@paulstanley518]

Hated this song when I was a kid,but age has made me understand how Great it is

[@xrpadoption3293]

Incredibly unique song. "Suicide is painless", first time I heard that was blown that's the,song I grew up with watching MASH.

[@im1filtr]

A great comfort, this one.

[@FaithMidnight]

On my nostalgia playlist for memories of watching M.A.S.H. reruns on TV Land.

[@jonathanrogers6720]

I love this song. Encapsulates the 70s A decade I identify with for some reason.

[@arrowdaddy0369]

i can only describe this song as a warm hug of depression

[@marisawhite5381]

Always loved this music...but this is the first time I knew the title or heard the words to this song. Will never be the same for me.

[@henryokeeffe5772]

These words like those of Robin Williams resonant with me and my broken soul. Suicide is painless, but life is not, and nor is it painless for those I would leave behind. I keep living for them.

[@carolynbarnes7098]

Your words touched me! Robin Williams died just before my Dad! I was unsure whether to tell my Dad he had died. But I did tell him and he remembered him!. What a talent..

[@henryokeeffe5772]

@@carolynbarnes7098 thank you for your kind words. My thoughts are with you and your family. God bless.

[@aurorauplinks]

things can get better. because everyone is working to make the world just a bit better. and sometimes, a right moment, or a collective push, changes everything.

[@Juliaflo]

So eerie-this year marks the 50th anniversary of the movie MASH, and Mr. Mandel passed away in this golden anniversary year.

[@monkemanmma]

My dad recently passed away and this was his favourite song come back to it now again brings a tear to my eye am 60 now ❤

[@hasantumen24]

May your old man rest in peace my friend 💐

[@conlethbyrne4809]

What a great song and movie. Slan abhaile ❤ 1:26

[@spec_opsgaming]

M.A.S.H is my all time favorite TV show, i have watched every episode so many times and it never fails to tug at my emotions in certain episodes, the one that gets me the most is the final episode.

[@rigel472-ql9dd]

genius , the voices, the tone play, takes me places .

[@tsawy6]

I never will take this route, but knowing that it's there... it helps

[@johnbailey3877]

beautiful ! I have similar convictions

[@ricardovmonteiro]

One of my favorite songs. R.I.P, Johnny Mandel (1925-2020). 💜

[@Hillers62]

One of the most beautiful... and depressing songs...ever

[@Kungpaoshizzi]

I'll never forget my grandfather lying in the hospital bed acting like nothing was wrong, though he knew he was on his last leg, just because my phone was able to play MASH greatest moments from youtube. I often wonder if he knew these were the actual lyrics to his favorite show's song. But then again, perhaps he did as he fought in Normandy in WWII. It's been almost 4 years and it's still hard to breathe.

[@caseycahill637]

Perfect beginning to a great movie. It sets the stage perfectly.

[@xxxx-re2sp]

Last night, 06 September 2023 @ around 7pm, a woman of 22 years old, from financially well-off family, committed s****de inside her car using 45 ACP near at Forest Lake Memorial Park, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. In her car stereo, this song was playing.

[@MatthewCobalt]

It's both morbid and heartwarmingly Melancholic. It can show that suicide can be painless, but it also show that it's a decision. Take it or leave it, it's you who chooses. No one else.

[@terrythekittieful]

It's a precursor to the Smiths. Very brave song.

[@dadaniel2k11]

Metal disease is not a choice everyone. Don't take this comment too serious

[@Rose-yx6jq]

I've been having some episodes lately. This actually helped me a bit. Sure, its an option. But there are others. Many others. Life is hard. It can be painful. This song acknowledges it. But on a related note you should allow yourself to be sad. Hardships are a part of life. Plain and simple. And when those hardships happen, you should process them. Not ignore them. Many people watch to rush and forget all that pain. You need to just allow yourself to be sad.

[@johnbailey3877]

A big hug to you - - Karmic and literal.... You express yourself beautifully; humanity needs you (and your comments are helpful to me -- not being patronizing; just sending thanks & cheering you on [the cheerleaders from the movie were hilarious]}

[@saltyelephant8069]

The end it doesn't really matter we all die alone in pain..

[@caylonmasters838]

Me and my Dad would always watch M*A*S*H together and he would never skip the beginning introduction and I would listen to this every time and it will always remind me of him and how much he has taught me and helped me succeed in life. He is still alive and well, just got through hernia surgery. Really showing me he is growing old and may soon not be with me. I will always watch M*A*S*H even if I grow old and out of it. Reminding me of the moments I would have with him while I was still very young and had no worries. Now I live in a house with 3 other friends, went through struggles with rent and losing my job once because my truck kept breaking down, and he got me out of the crisis. I am 22 Right now and if this is still up, I will hopefully remember I made this and will reply with how my life is going. Love you Dad.

[@ervtree]

The sword of time will pierce our skin, it doesn’t hurt when it begins…. But as it works its way on in… the pain goes stronger, watch it grin…. Damn, lyrics use be open for interpretation , now it’s all simplified and direct

[@devonbritt1187]

Nothing has quite described my time in the military as this song does

[@paulmikul2280]

MASH is one of my favorite shows from when I was a kid until now. Allen Alden is an unbelievable writer/director. But if you listen to the arrangement of Mandel's song bit by bit, it is so incredible. Just simple things like the woodwinds and then the simple tambourine towards the end. Johnny, you were one of the best!

[@mas3cf]

I'm 40 years old and can remember original episodes of MASH airing in the early 80s... and I Just. Now. found out this song has lyrics.

[@aurorauplinks]

you should watch the movie version of MASH, it predates the tv show and has the lyrics of the opening song, it is prety good overall though darker.

[@joestaley4453]

😱 awesome show but crazy song

[@djthree15]

WOW🎉🎉🎉 MEMORIES OF GROWING UP AND WATCHING MASH RERUNS😢😅❤. TIME GETS EVERYONE... R.I.P. MR. MANDEL

[@TheBigBadBeowulf]

I always love watching old episodes of MASH just for the opening theme

[@lite4919]

Lost my father nearly 2 years ago. My mother's 89. When she goes I go. Its ok. Im ready to go.

[@nihilsinedeo9472]

don't live for others

[@CW-dl2dd]

Hope you're still here. Remember that most of us will become orphans. Sad but true

[@derangedclownie]

this song hurts in a whole different way since my grandmother passed away a couple months ago. I always remember sitting down and watching MASH with her, and there was always something so melancholy and hopeless about the opening theme song. Only found this the other day, and I can't describe how much pain it brings me listening to it each time

[@derangedclownie]

I don't know, it just makes it worse that my father's in the military. This song accompanied by One by Metallica just hurts my heart. I can't even begin the fathom the amount of agony war has brought countless men. When my grandpa served her used to have nightmares, my dad had to watch his best friend die, and the amount of homeless veterans still really disturbs me I know nobody will really read this, but y'know, venting to strangers feels okay

[@kotorandcorvid4968]

@@derangedclownie we hear you

[@carolynbarnes7098]

I am grateful to see that mental illness is being taken more serious these days. Too late for many of my friends. I listen to this for my friends..

[@Diogenes741]

Life is different for everyone Death is unavoidable People need to learn to grow up death happens, accept it and move on

[@firestarter6488]

Canada has taken this song to heart xD

[@Binowhy]

It’s incredibly profound when you think about it, I can’t really say anything that hasn’t already been said but it was a real eye opener