"Suicide Is Painless" from M*A*S*H is More Offensive & Depressing Than Marilyn Manson - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 08-31-2010, 09:54 PM

Marilyn Manson declared that the song was more depressing and offensive than anything he'd ever written, and covered it for the soundtrack to the 2000 movie Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2

http://www.songfacts.com/blog/writin...w_theme_songs/

Marvo301 · 08-31-2010, 10:03 PM

"Suicide is Painless" is a depressing song. I was just reading the lyrics the other day. The song is all about why the author thinks suicide is the only choice and then invites listeners to make the same choice. Of course the song is best understood in context. And that context (from the movie M*A*S*H) is a soldier who is depressed from living in a war zone and being surrounded by pain and death.

GameShowFanMan66 · 09-06-2010, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

"Suicide is Painless" is a depressing song. I was just reading the lyrics the other day. The song is all about why the author thinks suicide is the only choice and then invites listeners to make the same choice. Of course the song is best understood in context. And that context (from the movie M*A*S*H) is a soldier who is depressed from living in a war zone and being surrounded by pain and death.

Actually, the song refers to the dentist, portrayed by John Schuck. He was the "Painless" Pole, and his character wanted to die because he believed that since he was unable to "rise" to the occasion sexually, that he must have turned gay. If you watch the 1970 movie, you'll better understand the tie-in. Of course, with or without said reference, it is a very morbid, and depressing yet hauntingly beautiful song, not the lyrics so much, but the melody itself, which was adapted to the tv series obviously.

Prince Michael · 07-31-2012, 01:54 AM

I disagree with Marilyn Manson . Suicide isn't my first choice, but I LOVE "Suicide Is Painless" ! The verses that begin “The sword of time will pierce our skins” and “A brave man once requested me” don’t even make much sense, but the song would be too short without them . I'd give ANYTHING to have it on CD !

Will Dockery · 07-18-2014, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GameShowFanMan66

Actually, the song refers to the dentist, portrayed by John Schuck. He was the "Painless" Pole, and his character wanted to die because he believed that since he was unable to "rise" to the occasion sexually, that he must have turned gay. If you watch the 1970 movie, you'll better understand the tie-in. Of course, with or without said reference, it is a very morbid, and depressing yet hauntingly beautiful song, not the lyrics so much, but the melody itself, which was adapted to the tv series obviously.

Two things I find tiresome in the M*A*S*H movie, the football game and the lyrics to this song. As an instrumental, it is great but the lyrics are like something a 14 year old would write... which is exactly what they were!

08-31-2010, 09:54 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	*"Suicide Is Painless" from MASH is More Offensive & Depressing Than Marilyn Manson** Marilyn Manson declared that the song was more depressing and offensive than anything he'd ever written, and covered it for the soundtrack to the 2000 movie Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 http://www.songfacts.com/blog/writin...w_theme_songs/
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

08-31-2010, 10:03 PM	#2
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	"Suicide is Painless" is a depressing song. I was just reading the lyrics the other day. The song is all about why the author thinks suicide is the only choice and then invites listeners to make the same choice. Of course the song is best understood in context. And that context (from the movie MAS*H) is a soldier who is depressed from living in a war zone and being surrounded by pain and death.
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

07-31-2012, 01:54 AM	#4
Prince Michael Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jun 26, 2011 Location: Helena, Montana Posts: 296	I disagree with Marilyn Manson . Suicide isn't my first choice, but I LOVE "Suicide Is Painless" ! The verses that begin “The sword of time will pierce our skins” and “A brave man once requested me” don’t even make much sense, but the song would be too short without them . I'd give ANYTHING to have it on CD !
	Last edited by Prince Michael; 07-31-2012 at 12:34 PM.