Maybe I'm wrong here, but the whole thing seems pretty obvious from the lyrics. Privateer and the earlier song which it references (The Confession) seem to talk about over-commercialization and being unable to go two feet without being offered something by someone. I believe that Andrew may be adding overzealous religious people in with the rest of the people who constantly offer you things as you walk, browse or drive around anywhere.
The term privateer seems to fit right in with the lyrical interpretation. While it has an old use (fitting in with the ships in the song), I believe Bird is saying here that those who seek to constantly gain commercial ownership over you as you go on your journey through life are little more than pirates and thieves...and their confession draws more near the more you question them about it.
Maybe I'm wrong here, but the whole thing seems pretty obvious from the lyrics. Privateer and the earlier song which it references (The Confession) seem to talk about over-commercialization and being unable to go two feet without being offered something by someone. I believe that Andrew may be adding overzealous religious people in with the rest of the people who constantly offer you things as you walk, browse or drive around anywhere.
The term privateer seems to fit right in with the lyrical interpretation. While it has an old use (fitting in with the ships in the song), I believe Bird is saying here that those who seek to constantly gain commercial ownership over you as you go on your journey through life are little more than pirates and thieves...and their confession draws more near the more you question them about it.