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Suicide Is Painless
The story behind the song
"Suicide Is Painless" was written for the 1970 film MASH*, originally intended for a specific scene where a character performs a faux-suicide. Director Robert Altman asked composer Johnny Mandel for a song that was both called "Suicide Is Painless" and the "stupidest song ever written." While Altman struggled with the lyrics, his 15-year-old son Michael quickly penned them. The song's unique blend of dark humor and lighthearted melody resonated so well that it became the film's main theme, and later, an instrumental version served as the theme for the popular TV series. It carries a distinctly ironic and almost whimsical tone, underscoring the film's anti-war message with a disarming simplicity.
Story time
Suicide Is Painless
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Suicide Is Painless
by Johnny Mandel
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Lyrics and compositions © their respective songwriters and publishers. Free for personal practice.
About Suicide Is Painless Chords by Johnny Mandel
Learn how to play Suicide Is Painless by Johnny Mandel with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Suicide Is Painless chords”, “Suicide Is Painless guitar chords”, or “Johnny Mandel Suicide Is Painless chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Suicide Is Painless chords and for experienced players who want accurate Suicide Is Painless lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include A.
FAQ — Suicide Is Painless by Johnny Mandel
How do I play "Suicide Is Painless" by Johnny Mandel on guitar?
Open the free chords for "Suicide Is Painless" by Johnny Mandel on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.
Are the chords for "Suicide Is Painless" by Johnny Mandel free?
Yes. The chords for "Suicide Is Painless" by Johnny Mandel are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.
Can I transpose "Suicide Is Painless" to a different key?
Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Suicide Is Painless" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.
Can I see chord diagrams for "Suicide Is Painless"?
Yes. Tap any chord in "Suicide Is Painless" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.
Is "Suicide Is Painless" easy to play on guitar?
Many players learn "Suicide Is Painless" by Johnny Mandel with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Johnny Mandel below.
What key is "Suicide Is Painless" in?
The chords for "Suicide Is Painless" show the original chord names (including A). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.