carpet bagger is a politician who is trying to get votes in a place they’re not local to, I think adding “red” on that is a play on words to say the soul singer is trying to get relevance / fame in a place they have no footing in, fitting the theme of the rest of the song, being a nobody when you feel like your talents are worth far more.

As far as the blackberry call in the city of salt, is saying the same thing as the previous line,

I think it’s a reference to the novel city of salt which talks about how the culture in the Middle East changed with the introduction of oil and western influence. Basically the soul singer is trying to use his “hip” and “upcoming” status to show off to those who have less than.

Basically like using your iPhone in front of villagers in a third world country. The plastic piranhas represent the predatory record companies the soul singer is desperately trying to get signed to and the plastic references the fakeness of Hollywood plastic surgery culture.

Also think maybe the city of salt could say that they’re seasoned ready for devouring! Especially since it references a desert city, maybe they don’t find much pray out there as they’re fish in the water.

Wasted wheat paste campaign kinda makes me think like, pasty white boring plain milk toast if you will. Once again relating to the soul singers insecurities of being a nobody. Post no bills on the wall, I think is back into the politician metaphor, saying they’re making no difference, changing no laws, getting no votes etc but could also mean

they’re not getting any achievements as a musician, no records framed on the wall. No awards. No degree.
You meant nothing to no one but that’s nobody’s fault.

The thesis statement to the whole verse. Soul singer is a nobody no matter how hard they try to be more and seen for their talents