Interpretations:The Velvet Ape
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Pretty sure this song is the classic "epic take on something mundane", in this case a pillow fight between two friends ("a rivalry between former collaborators"), one of whom somehow acquired the nickname "The Velvet Ape". The "violet cape of the Velvet Ape" is probably one kids' favorite blanket or something. -- FriendlyLocalGeek (talk) 09:29, 7 July 2015 (EDT)
To me, this one's about the move towards earnestness away from irony. The Velvet Ape takes over, but with kindness, rather than violence. - Rev. Syung Myung Me (talk) 21:30, 8 July 2015 (EDT)
I'm imagining a former prog rock band (say, for instance, Genesis) splitting up in the late '70's, while one of the former collaborators (say, for example, Phil Collins) becomes a soft rock MOR FM Titan, while the other (say, oh gosh, Peter Gabriel) releases an epic concept album under a pseudonym (say, just for kicks, The Velvet Ape). This is the opening track. It sets the tone for track two: the sprawling, 27-minute opus, "The Ape Doth Speaketh." - Zeppyfish
This song is literally about a pillow fight. "The velvet ape" is one of the children in the fight; velvet refers to the texture of children's pajamas, while calling him or her an ape refers to the primally powerful way one feels and acts when expressing mock aggression. Furthermore, play-fighting is exceedingly common in the animal kingdom. The song really comments on how humans are animals too, and it shows. -- SlowlyTwistin
