The Ultimate Breakdown Of Spin Doctors' "Two Princes" Lyrics: 5 Reasons This 90s Anthem Still Reigns
The Spin Doctors’ "Two Princes" is more than just a catchy tune from the 1990s; it is a masterclass in funk-rock storytelling that remains incredibly relevant today, even as the band celebrates decades of music. Released in January 1993, the song became an instant global phenomenon, propelling the album Pocket Full of Kryptonite to multi-platinum status and forever cementing vocalist Chris Barron’s status as a '90s icon. This deep dive, updated for late
The enduring appeal of "Two Princes" lies in its deceptively simple, yet universally relatable, narrative: a classic love triangle scenario. It pits a charming, poor suitor—the narrator—against a wealthy, established rival, forcing the object of their affection to choose between security and passion. As the Spin Doctors continue to tour and even hint at new music in
Chris Barron: A Brief Biography and Current Activity
The driving creative force behind "Two Princes" and the distinctive voice of the Spin Doctors is lead singer Chris Barron. His unique delivery and songwriting style are central to the band's success.
- Full Name: Christopher Gross Barron
- Role: Lead Vocalist, Co-founder, and Songwriter for Spin Doctors.
- Born: August 25, 1968, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
- Band Formation: Co-founded the Spin Doctors in 1988 (initially called Trucking Company) with guitarist Eric Schenkman, bassist Mark White, and drummer Aaron Comess.
- Major Works: The multi-platinum album Pocket Full of Kryptonite (1991), featuring "Two Princes" and "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong."
- Solo Career: Released the solo album Angels and One-Armed Jugglers in 2017.
- Current Activity (Late
): The Spin Doctors have been actively celebrating the 30th anniversary of Pocket Full of Kryptonite. Barron has also mentioned in recent interviews that the band has recorded a new album and hopes to release it in the Summer of .
The Complete "Two Princes" Lyrics: A Line-by-Line Analysis
The song's structure is a conversational plea, delivered by the poorer prince (the narrator) directly to the woman he loves. The lyrics are packed with clever contrasts and memorable, almost fairytale-like, imagery.
The Opening Stanza: Setting the Scene
"One, two, princes kneel before you / That's what I said, now / Princes, Princes who adore you / Just go ahead, now."
The song immediately establishes the central conflict: two men are vying for her attention. The narrator, however, is quick to dismiss the competition and push her to make a choice. The repeated "now" gives the song its signature funky, urgent rhythm.
The Narrator’s Pitch: Love vs. Gold
"You've got to choose one / I don't want to lose one / Oh, you know I want to be your man / All you got to do is just understand."
The narrator’s pitch is based on emotional connection and authenticity. He acknowledges the choice is hers but makes it clear his desire is sincere. This is the core theme: the choice between material wealth and genuine, albeit less secure, love.
The Contrast: "He's Got Fancy Things"
"He's got some big seal upon his jacket / And he's got some big shot living in his pocket / And he's got some big wheel rolling down the street / And he's got some big time tapping on his feet."
This is where the rich rival is defined. The "big seal" and "big shot" are metaphors for status, authority, and wealth—the kind of security that comes with a high social standing. The narrator’s description of his rival is slightly mocking, using "big" to highlight the rival’s superficial, showy nature.
The Narrator’s Offer: Authenticity and Simplicity
"But I got a little thing, and it's all my own / I got a little thing that we can build a home / And I got a little thing, and it's all my own / I got a little thing, but it's all my own."
In stark contrast, the narrator offers a "little thing." This is often interpreted as his heart, his genuine love, or simply a humble, shared life. The repetition of "it's all my own" emphasizes his independence and the lack of inherited wealth or status. He is offering a life they can "build a home" together, implying effort and partnership, not just a ready-made kingdom.
The Surprising Intent: Chris Barron on Writing the Song
Despite the deep analysis and fan theories—some even suggesting the song is an allegory for the Cold War—the reality of the song's creation is far simpler and speaks to Chris Barron's natural songwriting talent.
The Half-Hour Hit
Barron has frequently discussed how quickly the song came together. He claims that he wrote "Two Princes" in "half an hour, if that," making it one of his fastest compositions. This suggests the core concept was a spontaneous burst of creativity, rather than a deeply labored philosophical statement.
A Simple Love Triangle
The singer confirms the straightforward interpretation: the song is about a poor man trying to convince a girl to choose him over his richer rival. The "prince" motif is simply a fun, slightly ironic framework for a universal dilemma. Barron essentially put himself in the shoes of a charming, slightly cocky suitor who knows he's outmatched financially but believes his personality and love are superior.
The Timeless Question
The song’s genius lies in its ambiguity about the girl's choice. The lyrics never reveal who she picks, leaving the listener to ponder the outcome. Does she choose the "big seal" of security and status, or the "little thing" of genuine, self-made love? This unresolved tension is what makes the song a timeless anthem about value systems.
5 Reasons "Two Princes" Remains a Funk-Rock Masterpiece
Beyond the lyrics, the song’s musicality and cultural impact are key to its enduring status as a 90s classic and a staple of rock radio.
- The Unmistakable Guitar Riff: Eric Schenkman's opening guitar riff is instantly recognizable and perfectly captures the funk-rock fusion that defined the Spin Doctors' sound. It’s a riff that sounds both complex and effortlessly cool.
- The Funk-Rock Groove: The rhythm section, featuring Aaron Comess on drums and Mark White on bass, lays down a deep, infectious groove that makes the song impossible not to move to. This blend of rock energy with funk complexity was a signature of the early 90s alternative scene.
- Topical Authority and Legacy: The song is synonymous with the post-grunge, pre-pop-punk era of the 90s. Its success helped define the sound of the decade, standing alongside hits like "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong" as a cultural touchstone.
- Universal Theme: The "love vs. money" or "passion vs. security" theme is a narrative that has been relevant since the dawn of storytelling. By framing it with playful "prince" imagery, the Spin Doctors made a heavy topic light and danceable.
- The Band's Current Relevance: The Spin Doctors have been celebrating the 30th anniversary of their breakout album, keeping the song in the spotlight for a new generation. Furthermore, the potential for a new record in
ensures the band's legacy and this iconic song remain part of the current music conversation.
Ultimately, "Two Princes" is a testament to the power of a simple, honest story wrapped in an irresistible groove. It challenges the listener to consider what truly matters in a relationship, proving that sometimes, the "little thing" is worth more than all the "big shots" and "big seals" in the world.
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