Building A Mystery

by Sarah McLachlan

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Lyrics

You (Dm)come out at night,

that’s when the en (C)er gy comes and the (Dm)dark side’s light

and the (F)vam pires roam.

You stretch your (Bb)ras ta wear and your (F)su i cide po (C)em and a (Dm)cross from a faith that died be fore (C)Je sus (G5)came.

You’re (Bb)build ing a mys ter y.

You (Dm)live in a church

(F)where you sleep with voo doo dolls, God and you (Dm)won’t give up the (Bb)search for the (F)guest in the halls.

oh.

You wear san dals (Bb)in the snow and a (F)smile I won’t (C)wash a way.

Can you look out the (Bb)win dow with out (F)your shad ow get ting (C)in the way?

You’re so (G)beau ti ful, (Bb)a with an edge and charm ing.

You’re so it (G7)care ful when I’m in (C)your arms

’cause you’re (Bb)work ing (F)build ing a (C)mys ter y,

(Bb)hold ing on

and hold ing it in.

Yeah, you’re (Bb)work ing (F)build ing a (C)mys ter y

and choos ing (F)so care ful ly.

You woke up (Dm)scream ing a loud

(F)where a prayer from your se cret God and to (Dm)feed give off of (Bb)fears for and (F)hold back your tears, oh.

You give us a (Bb)tan trum snow and a (F)know I it (C)all a grin,

Can you just when you (Bb)need one with when (F)the eve ning stayed.

ting (C)in the way?

You’re so (G)beau ti ful, (Bb)a beau ti ful fucked up man.

You set it (G7)up, you’re ra zor wire (C)your sharp

’cause you’re (Bb)work ing (F)build ing a (C)mys ter y,

(Bb)hold ing on

and hold ing it in.

Yeah, you’re (Bb)work ing (F)build ing a (C)mys ter y

and choos ing (F)so care ful ly.

You woke up (F)so care ful ly.

(Gsus)Ooh, you’re work ing (Bb)build ing a (C)mys ter y,

(Bb)hold ing on

and hold ing it in.

Yeah, you’re (Bb)work ing (F)build ing a (C)mys ter y

and choos ing (F)so care ful ly.

Yeah, you’re (Bb)work ing (F)build ing a (C)mys ter y,

(Bb)hold ing on

and hold ing it in.

Oh yeah, you’re (Bb)work ing (F)build ing a (C)mys ter y

and choos ing (F)so

(C)care ful ly.

You’re (F)build ing a (Csus)mys ter y.

Building A Mystery by Sarah McLachlan — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Building A Mystery” by Sarah McLachlan in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of Bb at 168 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Building A Mystery" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "Building A Mystery"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
What other Sarah McLachlan songs work for kids?
Try "ADIA", "BUILDING A MYSTERY", "WHEN SHE LOVED ME". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.