I was a radio disc-jockey from 1968-1995. I believe the lyric is
"weed," and NOT "wheat." Also- Tommy says "When my GRASS gets "right,"
(or "ripe") refers to cannabis and NOT "wheat."

I also believe the "snake" biting Tommy's "heel" means the DEA nailed
him.

That's why "Tommy did die..."

I LOVE this song, and am glad to rad others like it. I still play the original .35rpm disc at home- it's the one I took from the radio station
I worked at where I had played it.