(Music: Johnny Mandel, Lyrics: Mike Altman, © 1969, ASCAP) 

Through early morning fog I see
visions of the things to be
the pains that are withheld for me
I realize and I can see...

     [REFRAIN]:

     that suicide is painless
     It brings on many changes
     and I can take or leave it if I please.


I try to find a way to make
all our little joys relate
without that ever-present hate
but now I know that it's too late, and...

     [REFRAIN]

The game of life is hard to play
I'm gonna lose it anyway
The losing card I'll someday lay
so this is all I have to say.

     [REFRAIN]

The only way to win is cheat
And lay it down before I'm beat
and to another give my seat
for that's the only painless feat.

     [REFRAIN]

The sword of time will pierce our skins
It doesn't hurt when it begins
But as it works its way on in
The pain grows stronger...watch it grin, but...

     [REFRAIN]

brave man once requested me
to answer questions that are key
is it to be or not to be
and I replied 'oh why ask me?'

     [REFRAIN]

     'Cause suicide is painless
     it brings on many changes
     and I can take or leave it if I please.


     ...and you can do the same thing
     if you please.