The Meaning Behind The Song: Apeman by The Kinks
Introduction
Released in 1970, “Apeman” by The Kinks showcased the band’s ability to create controversial and profound social commentary. At that time, the world was going through a phase of rapid modernization and globalization, and people were losing touch with their roots and the natural world. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of “Apeman” by The Kinks.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics and Inspiration
The song’s lyrics focus on a man who has grown tired of modern life and longs to return to a simpler time. The protagonist wants to “be an ape man” and be free from the constraints of modern society. Ray Davies, the Kinks’ lead singer and songwriter, said that the song was inspired in part by his own feelings of alienation from modern society.
Davies has said that the song’s lyrics were meant to be taken both literally and metaphorically. Literally, the protagonist in the song wants to become an ape man, but on a metaphorical level, the song is about the human desire to return to a simpler way of life where people are more in tune with nature.
The Message Behind the Song
“Apeman” is a protest against the conformist culture that characterized the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is a call for people to embrace their wild side and resist the pressure to conform to the norms of society. Ray Davies felt that people were becoming increasingly disconnected from nature and their animal instincts, which he saw as a bad thing.
In the song, the protagonist rejects the idea that he has to follow a certain path in life and instead wants to break free and live on his own terms. The Kinks were advocating for a more natural and authentic way of life.
The Song’s Reception
“Apeman” was a commercial success when it was released in 1970, reaching number five on the UK Singles Chart and number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The song’s message of anti-modernism resonated with many people, particularly those who felt that society was becoming too homogenized and conformist.
The song has since become an iconic protest song that continues to be relevant today. Many people still feel that modern society is too obsessed with technology and consumerism and are looking for ways to return to a more natural way of life.
FAQs
1. Was “Apeman” controversial when it was released?
Yes, the song sparked controversy when it was released because of its lyrics that called for people to reject modern society. Some people felt that the song was promoting anarchism and a rejection of progress.
2. Did the band receive any criticism for the song?
Yes, The Kinks were criticized by some people who felt that the band was promoting a regressive and anti-progressive message.
3. What was the original inspiration for “Apeman”?
Ray Davies has said that the song was inspired in part by his own feelings of alienation from modern society.
4. Why did the song resonate with people at the time of its release?
The song resonated with people because it spoke to their feelings of disconnection from nature and their animal instincts. Many people felt that modern society was becoming too conformist and homogenized, and they were looking for ways to break free from its constraints.
5. What message is “Apeman” trying to convey?
The message of “Apeman” is that people should embrace their wild side and resist the pressure to conform to the norms of society. The song advocates for a more natural and authentic way of life.
6. How did the music industry respond to “Apeman”?
The music industry responded positively to “Apeman,” and the song became a commercial success when it was released in 1970.
7. Who was the target audience for “Apeman”?
The target audience for “Apeman” was people who felt disconnected from nature and their animal instincts and were looking for ways to return to a more natural way of life.
8. Is “Apeman” still relevant today?
Yes, “Apeman” is still relevant today because many people still feel that modern society is becoming too homogenized and conformist. The song’s message of anti-modernism continues to resonate with people.
9. What was the reaction of the media to “Apeman”?
The media had mixed reactions to “Apeman.” Some praised the song for its anti-modernist message, while others criticized The Kinks for promoting a regressive and anti-progressive message.
10. How did fans respond to “Apeman”?
Fans of The Kinks responded positively to “Apeman” and the song became a commercial success when it was released in 1970.
11. Did “Apeman” inspire any other artists?
There is no concrete evidence that “Apeman” inspired any other artists, but the song’s message of anti-modernism has inspired many protest songs over the years.
12. What is the legacy of “Apeman”?
The legacy of “Apeman” is that it has become an iconic protest song that continues to be relevant today. The song’s message of anti-modernism has inspired many people to resist the pressure to conform to the norms of society and embrace their natural instincts.
