Written as a call to return to nature amidst the crowding and industry of the city, the song features calypso stylings.

"Apeman", alongside many other songs from the Lola vs. Powerman album, was written by Ray Davies during a family trip to Cornwall in July 1970.

It reflects the nostalgia expressed on the albums Lola vs. Powerman and The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society.

[11] A colour promo video made for the song was filmed at Hampstead Heath, the same location used for the cover picture of the album The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society.

"[3] Record World said that "Ray Davies and co. have a natural with this calypso-flavored cut from their new album complete with bird noises and other interesting effects.

"[13] Cash Box called it "a satirical pop venture whose sound and lyrics should reap the benefits of AM and FM exposure to thrust it toward the charts.

"[14] In 2018, The Telegraph named "Apeman" as the second-greatest song by Ray Davies and the Kinks, calling it "Ostensibly a satire on hippy culture [...] Although the reggae-infused piano on the track is still delicious more than 40 years later, the combination of Ray Davies's faux-Caribbean accent and his 'apeman' references are not exactly politically correct these days.

It was used in the first episode of the comedy television series The Last Man on Earth to show the lead character's descent into a primitive living once civilization has ended.