Chris Garneau is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist, whose distinc… Read Full Bio ↴Chris Garneau is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist, whose distinct musical style combines elements of folk, Americana, pop, baroque, and carnival music. Garneau cites Jeff Buckley, Nina Simone, Nico, and Chan Marshall, among others, as musical influences.

Garneau, a native of Boston, lived with his family in Paris during grade school, and later New Jersey before moving to New York City. Garneau discovered a love of music at a young age while learning to play piano. After high school, Garneau briefly attended Berklee Music School in Boston, but left after completing one term and moved to Brooklyn, NY. There he began writing music and playing live shows at small venues in the East Village and Lower East Side of Manhattan, including CBGB's Gallery and "The Living Room".

Garneau eventually signed with Absolutely Kosher Records, an Emeryville, California-based record label. He was brought to the label by Jamie Stewart and Caralee McElroy of Xiu Xiu. Garneau released his debut album Music for Tourists in October 2006 and on iTunes in January 2007. His second project, an EP titled "C-Sides", was released in December 2007. Garneau's second full-length album, titled "El Radio," was released in July 2009.

No More Pirates
Chris Garneau Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Rated zero
I'm all set
The dock master wearing plad
Dropped his ropes and locks
To watch the ticker tape parade

And they're all glad
Can you believe that

The things they think they love
Are all the things I know I hate

I don't want you pirates anymore
I don't want these to dos what are they for
I don't want you pirates anymore
I don't want the lord to come again

I don't think the lord will come again
Will come again

To believe in a religion
You gotta pray for the ones you love
And pray for all the ones you hate
Like
Your old boyfriends
Your old girlfriends
Your old husbands
And your wives friends
And your family
And countries
And countries
And enemies

I don't want you pirates anymore
I don't want these to dos what are they for
I don't want you pirates anymore
I don't want the lord to come again

I don't think the lord will come again

I don't think the lord will come again
Will come again

Overall Meaning

In "No More Pirates," Chris Garneau expresses a deep sense of disillusionment with modern society, particularly with regards to its values, beliefs, and traditions. The song begins with a sense of resignation, with the singer admitting that he has been "rated zero" and is "all set" to give up on life's struggles. However, this depressive mood is quickly contrasted by a scene of celebration, where the "dock master wearing plaid" drops everything to watch a "ticker tape parade." The singer is bemused by all this apparent happiness, wondering how people can be so content when they are "all the things I know I hate."

As the song continues, Garneau delves deeper into what he sees as the illogical and unsatisfying aspects of life. He laments the existence of "pirates," which could be interpreted as either literal sea-faring raiders or metaphorical thieves and scoundrels. He also questions the point of all the "to-dos" and obligations that seem to take up so much of our time and energy. Finally, he expresses skepticism about the idea of the lord coming to save us all from our troubles, suggesting that we need to take responsibility for our own lives and relationships.

Overall, "No More Pirates" is a melancholy and introspective song that speaks to the frustrations and perceived hypocrisies of modern living. It is a reminder that sometimes we need to step back and question the values and beliefs that we take for granted, and to seek out deeper, more meaningful experiences that reflect our true selves.

Line by Line Meaning

Rated zero
I have no value, worth or ranking

I'm all set
I am ready to move on from this situation

The dock master wearing plad
A person in charge, dressed in checkered clothing

Dropped his ropes and locks
Stopped his work and let go of his tools

To watch the ticker tape parade
To see the celebration and excitement taking place

And they're all glad
Everyone is happy and pleased

Can you believe that
Is it possible to comprehend or accept this reality

The things they think they love
Their perceived affections and passions

Are all the things I know I hate
The very things they embrace are the things that I abhor

I don't want you pirates anymore
I reject the people who steal and exploit

I don't want these to dos what are they for
I refuse to complete pointless tasks with no purpose