The Not Sad Meaning Behind the Somber MASH Theme Song

What is the Theme Song to MASH?

“Suicide is Painless” is the song used in both the 1970 MASH movie and the 1972 TV show. It was written by Johnny Mandel and Michael B Altman. The movie plays the song, with lyrics, during the title credits and in a scene during the movie; the TV show plays an instrumental version as the opening theme song.

Where Did the Theme Song From MASH Come From?

Robert Altman, the director of the movie wanted a song for a fake suicide scene. According to Wikipedia, Altman wanted a stupid song and after trying to write the lyrics himself he had his teenage son write the lyrics.

Why is the MASH Theme Song So Sad?

While in the movie the song is meant to be tongue in cheek (they sing it upbeat while holding a fake funeral for Walter Waldowski), used in the title credits over footage of a war zone it comes across as very depressing.