There are at least two 1960s bands with this name.

1) The Bystanders… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least two 1960s bands with this name.

1) The Bystanders, a successful close harmony pop group from Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, issued eight singles, including "98.6" (#45 in UK Singles Chart, in February 1967) which was played in the 2009 film, The Boat That Rocked (although Keith's version was the bigger hit, reaching No. 24 in the UK) and "When Jesamine Goes", written by their manager Ronnie Scott and Marty Wilde under the pseudonyms of Frere Manston and Jack Gellar, which was later covered by The Casuals as "Jesamine" and got to No. 2 in the UK Chart. They also recorded sessions of cover versions for the BBC as rules restricting needle time required "live" performances between the records during the 1960s; becoming regulars on the ’’Jimmy Young Show’’, "The David Symonds Show" and others.

When formed in 1962 The Bystanders included Owen Money, then known as Gerry Braden, but he was replaced by Vic Oakley, giving the classic line up of Micky Jones (guitar), Ray Williams (bass), Jeff Jones (drums), Clive John (aka Clint Space) (keyboards) and Vic Oakley (vocals). By 1968 the other members wanted to change musical direction to a more psychedelic/American west-coast guitar sound, so Oakley left, to be replaced by Deke Leonard; and the band changed its name to Man.

2) The Bystanders were a 1960s garage band that released a single, "Just Exactly Off," on the Vanco label. Given the location of the recording company, they were presumably from either the northwest United States or southwest Canada.

98.6
The Bystanders Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Good mornin' sun I say it's good to see you shinin'
I know my baby brought you to me
She kissed me yesterday hello your silver linin'
Got spring and summer runnin' through me

Hey 98.6 it's good to have you back again, oh
Hey 98.6 her lovin' is the medicine that saved me
Oh I love my baby

Hey everybody on the street I see you smilin'
Must be because I found my baby
You know she's got me on another kind of highway
I want to go to where it takes me

Hey 98.6 it's good to have you back again, oh
Hey 98.6 her lovin' is the medicine that saved me
Oh I love my baby

You know she's got me on another kind of highway
I want to go to where it takes me

Hey 98.6 it's good to have you back again, oh

Hey 98.6 her lovin' is the medicine that saved me
Oh I love my baby

Overall Meaning

The Bystanders' song "98.6" is a cheerful and upbeat love song about the joy of being in love. The song begins with the singer greeting the morning sun as he expresses how happy he is to see it shining. He attributes the warmth and sunshine to his lover who kissed him the day before, and he feels as if spring and summer are running through him. The catchy chorus exclaims, "Hey 98.6 it's good to have you back again...her loving is the medicine that saved me...Oh, I love my baby."

The song's message is simple and direct, celebrating the joy and healing power of being in love. The poetic reference to the human body's temperature also adds a layer of symbolism to the song's message, as the singer suggests that his love is like a fever that has broken and made him feel better. This clever metaphor adds an additional layer of meaning to the song, deepening its message of love and gratitude.

Line by Line Meaning

Good mornin' sun I say it's good to see you shinin'
I am happy to see the sun because it reminds me of my baby who kissed me yesterday and made me feel good.

I know my baby brought you to me
I believe that my baby's presence and affection is causing me to feel energized and happy.

She kissed me yesterday hello your silver linin'
My baby greeted me with a kiss and this made me realize that she is like a silver lining in my life.

Got spring and summer runnin' through me
I feel as if I have the vitality and joy of spring and summer inside of me because of my baby's love.

Hey 98.6 it's good to have you back again, oh
I am happy to feel the warmth of 98.6 degrees again because it means that I am healthy and feeling good.

Hey 98.6 her lovin' is the medicine that saved me
My baby's love and affection is like medicine that has helped me recover and feel better overall.

Oh I love my baby
I feel deeply in love with my baby and appreciate all the positive energy and happiness she brings into my life.

Hey everybody on the street I see you smilin'
I notice that people around me seem happy and positive, and I believe that is because I have found my baby and she brings me joy.

Must be because I found my baby
I think that my baby's presence is so powerful and uplifting that it can even affect the people around me and make them feel happy too.

You know she's got me on another kind of highway
My baby's love and affection makes me feel like I am on a different path in life, one that is happier, more positive, and more fulfilling.

I want to go to where it takes me
I am excited to follow the path set out for me by my baby's love and see where it leads me, because I know it will be a good journey.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: George Fischoff, Tony Powers

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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The Bystanders

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Comments from YouTube:

@Lighthouses5106

5y↑8

My 8-yr old grandson made me look up this song as he likes it..he likes the "98.6". Someday he'll learn about 98.6 and I'd have to play this song for him because we're writing this comment together!!

@MrBilgey

13y↑8

a fantastic band, truly superb vocals. one of the great british bands.

@marionashworth4636

16 years old, at the lower chambers, they were the cellars under the town hall in Rochdale, saw these, loved them , loved this, still do, only one door in and out of the chambers, wouldn’t be allowed now but great times.

@MrLASCOM1

4y↑3

Just a couple of hours ago, i had found "98.6" by Keith. I saw a comment there regarding " the bystanders" and it brings me here. Well worth the trip. Great song by 2 entirely different styles. Both winners!, Imo.

@MrBilgey

10y↑11

Superb band! Quality vocals and the harmony is outstanding!

@salvatorecalafiore8079

6y↑11

Love this version so much!!🕺🏻🕺🏻🕺🏻

@lindsaypeterholden2701

10y↑3

1967 White Elephant Youth Club Delph Saddleworth.Great Night well remembered as a 16 Year Old.Wonderful Atmospheric Song.I wonder how many still recall this Group from 47 Years ago.Happy Days.

@39bj

10y↑1

I remember it.

@clivemears9389

10y↑8

I were friends with the Bystanders and I went on tour with them many times and as I play drums Jeff and I gave one another drum lesson. This was the best version of this number by far.

@dottiemartin5108

5y↑1

love them

@franciscoacosta1619

5y↑1

Love this, just memorise d lyrics by listening to d radio during those times

@normanwilliams3374

2y↑1

Definitely the best, version. Seen them many times ,in the South Wales Valley's in the sixties.

@blossomsquirrel

12y↑2

I met Clive a few times. He introduced me in the Tenby (pub) in Swansea one evening to Mike Gibbins (Badfinger). Unfortunately, an hour before I'd eaten some almond cake (think it had more than almond in it) and wasn't in the best state to hold a conversation. Had some great conversations with Clive on other occasions. Always found him a warm, friendly bloke. He had a real love of rock & roll. Apparently ,when he first heard Gene Vincent he said it had sent a tingle down his spine.

@kellysanderson7664

11y↑9

Clive John was my Dad ;-) Clive RIP you old bugger (24/08/2011) love you x

@rockabilly99

6y↑1

my dad Alan Crompton was good friends with your dad

@tinahardman9805

6y↑2

Love this version, the harmonies are superb.

@39bj

10y↑1

this song has been on my mind for weeks now, so I had to bring it up to hear it and loved it like I always have.

@scottmiller6495

3y↑4

It's pretty good but Keith owns this song!!!!!

@Hawkeye752

Heard it tonight on Sirius 60s Gold and was amazed by it!!

@cosybully

10y↑1

Haven't heard this version until now. Enjoyed it.

@cosybully

Good show!

@sal0167

13y↑1

It's 11pm and I've been playing this version all day since 7am. I don't remember hearing this version before and I haven't been able to listen to anything else. I lost count how many times I heard it. It is a much better version!

@5micky2

10y↑54

What is it with songs from that era? They all sound so unashamedly joyful. I think feeling happy has gone out of fashion, sadly.

@39bj

10y↑8

I so agree with what you said.

@privatedetective6516

8y↑3

+5micky2 Right on It Mate!

@jacobtheebruce

you need twee pop in your life haha

@stephensmith799

6y↑1

We were so happy with the way culture was changing for the better...

@staudtwerner

the 1960's were just as short after the saddest en bloodiest war we ever had until today. We all were happy we had more or less a time of peace in advance. The Wall in Berlin showed us clearly where the so called "Good boys" and "Bad boys" lived.

The 1970's and most of the 1980's the world had all the time the big threat of atomic war. Most of the world knew where to belong to, and what to do.

At least since 9/11 2001 mankind again has this need to start new big war. We do not like anymore the onces we loved in the years before. It is typical, mankind can not live for longer times in peace. Just read the lines from John Bolton and "Friends" about Russia and the Baltic Republics. We are more than ever before a few steps from the final wipe out of mankind.

Happyness and Fear what your always hear back in Music. Music can explain emotions we do not have any words for, but to ignore is impossible eighter.

3 More Replies...

@cosybully

11y↑4

I've never heard this version of the song until now, and it's quite good! Thank you for posting.

@BigBlueBeast

14y↑1

I still remember when I wasn't feeling well and couldn't go back to sleep because I had to wake up for school in 5 minutes. I turned on the radio and heard 98.6 on the rradio for the first time. I wonder what Keith thinks about this version.

@alexandermakrianis

5y↑1

I never heard this band`s recording of this song before. It's really good.

@ilugo54

13y↑2

There is a beautiful rendition in Spanish by a group called Los Angeles.

@ambusy1

15y

This band got into the band MAN some years later!

@donaldjones971

43w

They did regular gigs in Judges Hall Tonypandy.Great at four seasons numbers.I went on to play with a group myself.They used to buy yheir gear at Gamblins in Kerrdiff lol

@anitashelby

12y

Yes, I remember this one, Thanx for sharing...Anita :)

@blueboy680

15y↑1

Love this version. So much better than the original.

@kellysanderson7664

11y↑1

hi David, Thank you for your story.. I am late in replying, but i really appreciate your warm memories of my dad. Thank you xxx

@tibby51

13y↑1

i was the rodie for the bystanders in the sixtys and they must have been the hardest working band in the country we thought this record was the one but it wasnt to be

@salvatorecalafiore8079

I love the Keith version too!!

@LEWFROST2

14y

@Blodwyn65 you can be proud of your dad.great group.this was when music was alot of fun.

@ianoakley7041

12y↑2

Just to clear things up reference The Bystanders, Owen Money was original singer on first two singles but for the rest and probably all the 'hits' it was Vic Oakley, after Vic left they formed Man. Why do I know this? Well Vic is my dad and he alive and well and lives nearby his family with his wife Margaret in Wiltshire.

@rockabilly99

Ian Oakley my dad Alan Crompton was good friends with your dad through those days

@vangelisideras

13y

exquisito pop!

@gemmajones1242

yes we are related to him but lost contact and been trying to find my mothers brother and family for years

@travismcdowell954

Great drumming.

@tibby51

12y

hi ian my name is steve i was the roadie with the bystanders when your dad was with them i often wondered what happened to vic as i have met up with all the others since then even got in touch with rays wife jan it's great to know he is well give him all my best

@mojobass1

12y

The Bystanders were a great live band who performed west coast type harmonies a la Beach Boys, Four Seasons , Association. great muscicians who went on to form The Man Band.

@reidfauble8619

10y↑1

Listening to this in science while learning about temperature

@gemmajones1242

9y↑2

Hiya Ian I am Gemma your cousin my mother Gillian Oakley one of your fathers sisters, I think they lost contact years ago me and my twin was a baby last time I saw your father I think, we have been look just nice to know family and how you all are, other family members have commented since contact has been lost x

@MrMjp58

11y↑2

Never heard this before. It's a great record, but has omitted some of the supporting harmony found in Keith's version.

@StanBennet

15y

The music was good on the first one, then you get this candy ass voice singing over it. You're right, this is so much better.

@shmuli9

13y

This is an interesting version of 98.6 - it reminds me of the Rebel Rousers...

@xaend

15y

I've seen the film in German... It's fantastic =)

@MadameLil

14y

I like this version as well as Keith's, even if this one's more rockin'.

@tonyrivers

14y

Excellent version, I love the lead singer's voice, a touch of John Lennon about it, but still with his own style-great.

@thomasmurphy2379

You're right! Good observance. I'd have missed it.👍🏻

@thetrackappears

14y

The track is played in the film - in the background when the DJs are being told about the loss of advertising revenue..

@fernald10

14y

Am interesting version, which I was unaware of until the film soundtrack. The inclusion of surf music harmonies certainly makes it different from Keith's recording of the song.

@TheJavierm7

13y

Esta es una bonita version de un temita q lanzo Keith, no se cual es la original, pero ambas son buenas canciones.

@T0nN9th

This on Pirate Radio

@MBFLA45

11y

This is so much better than the Keith version.

@_BlazingRush

15y

No, the Background for bloopers were put to Let's Dance by David Bowie.

@BrendanJewell

12y↑1

Good vocal version.Pity they didn't get the breaks(:)

@jonathancureton4112

12y↑1

This version is in my opinion better then the version by Kieth.

@kayleighpowell1268

11y↑1

vic oakley is my uncle :) x

@FishOnTwoWheels

13y↑2

Have to say I prefer Keith's version.

@HolyTrouble

15y

Well theres alot of songs playing only on background and while watching you dont pay attention to them. I think that this song is on the film cuz its on the soundtrack.

@guardosuyoutube2803

In mezzo ai guai Renato Zero, 1967.

@jazzyow

13y

biiiim

@shost58

6y↑2

los angeles (hispavox) version this song is best

@MOOIxD

15y

There is a song in the beginning of the film. When we first see the Count. He puts on a great rock record, but I cant find it.. Some help please.. =)

@amandakirkhouse4809

who did you know out of them

@greg7656

In case anyone is still here, what is jerry singing ( think it's jerry" after "she kissed me yesterday" - something something to "silver linings". Def not "hello you silver linging" as on the Keith version. Thoughts? Maybe "then Boo! A silver linin'! " but prob not

@egtheerapat

13y↑1

hey, everybody on the street,I see you smilin' ;)

@kellysanderson7664

11y

haha.... yeah that sounds about right lol (from Clive Johns Daughter) ;-)

@mandyoakley1519

12y

hi ian hope family all doin ok xxx

@robertnorth8631

@georgejonesguitar

12y

@mojobass1 My dad's on this record too, Micky Jones hello mate it's George Jones, how you doing?

@potdog1000

I thought this was by Unit 4 +2 apparently not lol

@DWAtwood

15y

Vic is not my uncle...but he is my aunts husband.

@gemmajones9264

11y

Hello Ian I think I am related to you your father Victor Oakley is my mother Gillian Okaley brother if I have got the right person, my mother is one of 7 from south wales?

@mojobass1

14y↑1

This band had Vic Oakly & the GREAT Micky Jones in the line up they were a terriffic Live band should have made it

@Themaddprof

Was this before Keith?

@DWAtwood

15y

Maybe, I don't know the real ID of caewern666. Might be a cousin.

@JoannofHtown

13y

hate 98.6 I couldn't reach U for the Longest Time...but Those High Ways r weird...Hello-no time and space- I AM Hear again...hope U r in body...or not

@kellysanderson7664

11y

yeah!. .. pirate radio made off a boat out of legal boundaries !! Duh

@alanfox4172

I got the boat that rocked soundtrack album on cd but not get around to hearing it yet but the film was rubbish and the song might be sending a coded message about radio Caroline .

@MrAurelius77

9y↑4

the version of LOS ANGELES a spanish group is better than this or Krith.

@JoseBlanch

Como en España no se editó otra,mi hermano compró la de los Angeles,me entusiasmaba,pero la de Keth es superior y ademas su autor,Los Angeles se limitaron a calcarla.Esta al menos,introduce la guitarra con el predecesor del Wha-Wha.

@iesjosefina1

7y↑1

Estoy con Aurelio...me gusta más la de L.A.

@WELSHYTECH

Ian if you could message me please your father is my great uncle my nan is pat John she's not in a good way and she wants to get hold of him to speak get back to me this is the most important thing my nan needs to speak with your dad so get back to me