The full lyrics were a subject of speculation for several years until they were ( mostly ) revealed to fans by band members . One line , the third and the most difficult one to understand , was purposefully left a mystery by head songwriter Mark Mulcahy . The song may have referenced the Kent State shootings and Sandra Lee Scheuer ( being the eponymous " Sandy " of the song ) , although the actual meaning of the song is in debate
Kent State shootings
Kent State shootings
Hey Sandy