A Mystery Lyrics | Sarah Mclachlan - Building

The lyrics are rich with gothic and counter-culture imagery (vampires roaming, rasta wear, razor wire shrines) used to illustrate how someone might curate a "mystery" to appear unique.

The song describes a "beautiful, fucked-up man" who uses external symbols—voodoo dolls, a "faith that died," and "sandals in the snow"—to project an air of mystery and spiritual depth. Sarah McLachlan - Building a Mystery Lyrics

These eccentricities are "facades". McLachlan suggests that while these characters seem interesting, they are actually working hard to "hold it in" and keep others from seeing their true, insecure selves. The lyrics are rich with gothic and counter-culture

The song uses a pentatonic scale, creating an "open sound" that is emotionally ambiguous—neither strictly happy nor sad. Lyrical Analysis & Literary Devices

McLachlan has noted that the song is playful and self-reflective, stating it is as much about herself and her friends as it is about a specific character. Lyrical Analysis & Literary Devices