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 line "Can you look out the window / Without your shadow getting in the way?" symbolizes the self-absorption that often accompanies these manufactured identities. Musical Atmosphere Sarah McLachlan - Building a Mystery Lyrics
According to McLachlan, the song is about the to hide our vulnerabilities. These eccentricities are "facades"
The song uses a pentatonic scale, creating an "open sound" that is emotionally ambiguous—neither strictly happy nor sad. Musical Atmosphere According to McLachlan, the song is
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.
The production builds suspense through subtle vocal gestures and layering, mirroring the "building" mentioned in the lyrics. Historical Context
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