Mark Duggan Finds Beauty in Uncertainty on New Single Don’t Know Why

By Chris Kennedy | Published 2nd Nov, 2026

Waterford singer-songwriter Mark Duggan has announced his debut album, Hold That Ghost Down, along with his latest single, Don’t Know Why. Following earlier releases A Harder Shade of Blue, House on the Hill and Different in the Dark, the new track finds Duggan returning to his familiar mix of acoustic guitars, folk-rock influences and personal songwriting.

A Rustic Folk-Rock Sound

Don’t Know Why opens with a simple acoustic guitar strum, giving the first verse a raw, stripped-back feel. The guitars provide a steady rhythm throughout the track, while the addition of mandolin brings a distinctly rustic, traditional folk flavour to the arrangement. It’s a straightforward approach that works well without needing too many extra layers.

Duggan’s vocals have a rough, slightly unpolished quality that fits comfortably alongside the acoustic instrumentation. There’s something quite old-school about his delivery, recalling the more traditional side of folk-rock. Rather than trying to smooth out every edge, he lets the natural character of his voice come through, which suits the song's reflective mood.

Caught Between Hope and Uncertainty

Lyrically, Don’t Know Why explores a relationship that seems to be slowly falling apart, even though there’s still a sense of hope that things might work out. Duggan captures that difficult point where feelings haven’t disappeared, but the cracks are becoming harder to ignore. It’s a familiar situation, handled without unnecessary drama.

The song also touches on themes that have become a regular feature of Duggan’s writing, particularly memory, isolation and the struggle to move forward. There’s a sadness running through the track, but it never feels overly sentimental. Instead, the relatively simple arrangement allows the lyrics to take centre stage and tell their story.

Building Towards - Hold That Ghost Down

As the lead single from Hold That Ghost Down, Don’t Know Why offers a useful introduction to what listeners can expect from Duggan’s debut album. The record draws on traditional folk-rock songwriting while incorporating acoustic instrumentation and more contemporary electronic elements, suggesting an artist interested in exploring different sounds without losing sight of his roots.

Having already released several singles, Duggan seems to have a fairly clear idea of the kind of music he wants to make. Don’t Know Why doesn't mark a dramatic change in direction, but instead builds on the style he has been developing, with an emphasis on storytelling, familiar instrumentation and carefully arranged songs.

Final Verdict

Don’t Know Why is another enjoyable release from Mark Duggan, bringing together steady acoustic guitars, rustic mandolin and rough-edged folk-rock vocals. Its lyrics about love, uncertainty and relationships falling apart give the track a melancholic edge, while the uncomplicated arrangement keeps things grounded. Sometimes, keeping things simple is enough.

With his debut album, Hold That Ghost Down, Duggan is continuing to establish himself as a songwriter with a clear appreciation for traditional folk-rock. Don’t Know Why is a well-put-together track that offers another promising glimpse of what’s to come.

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