M*A*S*H used music sparingly but effectively during its eleven years on the air. “Suicide is Painless,” written for the movie, was the show’s theme song, opening and closing each episode, although unlike the movie the song’s lyrics were never used. When people think of M*A*S*H they undoubtedly think of “Suicide is Painless” and the opening credits with that iconic shot of choppers over the hills.