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Who wrote the lyrics to mash?

Published in TV Theme Songs 2 mins read

The lyrics to "Suicide Is Painless," the iconic theme song for the MASH film and television series, were penned by Mike Altman.

The Lyricist Behind the MASH Theme

Mike Altman, the son of the MASH film's director, Robert Altman, holds the distinction of being the lyricist for the memorable tune. Despite its melancholic title, the song became synonymous with the widely beloved comedy-drama, primarily heard as an instrumental in the long-running television series.

The Origin of "Suicide Is Painless"

The creation of "Suicide Is Painless" has a unique backstory. Director Robert Altman tasked his then 14-year-old son, Mike, with writing the lyrics for the theme song to the 1970 film MASH. The director himself reportedly found it challenging to write lyrics suitable for a "last supper" scene depicting a character's planned suicide attempt. Mike Altman delivered the lyrics in just five minutes, earning $500 for his work, significantly more than his father's earnings from directing the film at the time due to the song's enduring popularity and royalties.

While the film version features vocals, the television series famously used an instrumental arrangement, which became instantly recognizable worldwide.

Key Figures in the Song's Creation

The theme song for MASH was a collaborative effort, with distinct roles in its creation:

Role Name Contribution
Lyricist Mike Altman Wrote the lyrics for "Suicide Is Painless"
Composer Johnny Mandel Composed the music for "Suicide Is Painless"
Director Robert Altman Commissioned the song for the MASH film

Lasting Impact and Legacy

"Suicide Is Painless" has transcended its original context to become a cultural touchstone. Its simple, haunting melody and poignant lyrics, though often unheard by mainstream audiences of the TV show, reflect the dark humor and underlying themes of life and death prevalent in the MASH narrative.

  • Financial Success: Due to its immense popularity and syndication, Mike Altman continued to receive substantial royalties from the song for decades.
  • Cultural Significance: The instrumental version is one of the most recognizable TV theme songs of all time, instantly evoking the tone and era of MASH.
  • Unique Collaboration: The story of a father tasking his teenage son with writing such profound lyrics adds an intriguing layer to the song's legacy.

You can learn more about the song's history and impact on its Wikipedia page.