Chris Barron, the frontman of the multi-platinum selling band Spin Doctors, recounts the serendipitous story of how their iconic hit song, “Two Princes,” came to life. This is a tale of teenage crushes, timely advice, and the unexpected birth of 90s rock anthem.
It started with a phone call – an unusual interruption in the humdrum of kitchen work at an American diner. For a nineteen-year-old Chris Barron, slinging food in Princeton, New Jersey, the labor shortage was a lucky circumstance, securing his job even when the phone rang for him amidst the burger flipping frenzy. Picking up the receiver, it was her.
This “her” was a girl who had occupied a significant space in young Barron’s mind. What felt like a monumental crush at the time is now a distant memory, yet, back then, it was a powerful force. Their high school relationship had ended sourly, marked by a yearbook inscription Barron now cringes at – a teenage expression of frustration at unrequited feelings and perceived personal shortcomings on her part.
This romantic disappointment, however, was intertwined with a broader social frustration. Princeton’s social scene, as Barron experienced it, seemed to favor a specific type – wealthy, athletic conformists. Creative, introspective individuals like him often found themselves romantically sidelined. He felt this social structure was artificial, evidenced by his transformed social perception during a summer art program in Philadelphia and a brief stint at a Long Island high school. These experiences revealed a different reality where he was seen as “pretty” and “cool,” contrasting sharply with Princeton’s “phoniness and pretension.” This frustration fueled a recurring theme in his early songwriting: “how could you want him when you know you could have me?” – a sentiment that also colored his regrettable yearbook message.
So, when this girl called him at the diner and proposed a meeting that evening, Barron was a whirlwind of emotions – bemused, confused, puzzled, and everything in between. Was this a reconciliation or a delayed confrontation? Even at nineteen, he was aware of the legendary capacity of some to harbor and deliver a long-awaited, sharp rebuke.
Leaving his diner shift, Barron found himself walking down Nassau Street, Princeton, lost in thought. It was then he bumped into Michael “Miket” Wilder, the older brother of his friend Dave. Dave Wilder, a bass prodigy even then, was someone they all admired. Miket, in particular, was a figure of cool authority. Running into him felt like a stroke of luck – the perfect person to navigate this romantic quandary.
After the usual greetings, Barron laid out his situation for Miket: “Miket. This girl I like called me at work.” Miket’s response was immediate and encouraging, “well, go ahead with that, my brother.” Barron, still hesitant, voiced his concern, “yeah, but I think she may be mad at me.” Undeterred, Miket simply reiterated, “well, you gotta go ahead with it.” Doubt still lingering, Barron probed, “you think so? I mean, I’ve liked her for a long time and maybe she’s into me too.” Miket’s advice remained consistent and direct: “just go ahead now.” Finally, seeking affirmation, Barron asked, “I should just go see what’s up, right?” And the answer came back, unwavering, “just go ahead now.” With Miket’s simple yet firm encouragement, Barron decided, “alright,” and went on his way.
He returned to his apartment above Farington’s Music, guitar in hand. Strumming a G chord, the phrase “one, two princes kneel before you” came to mind. He initially dismissed it as “corny.” But then, Miket’s advice echoed in his thoughts: “just go ahead now.” Taking out a yellow legal pad and a fountain pen, he put pen to paper, embracing the simple, direct approach, and continued writing. This moment of simple advice, coupled with years of romantic and social frustration, sparked the creation of the lyrics that would become synonymous with Spin Doctors and 90s music charts worldwide. The story of “Two Princes” lyrics is as much about a personal teenage drama as it is about seizing the moment and simply going ahead.
