Give a Girl a Chance
This compilation of music by 19 artists was released in support of the 20th Anniversary Tenderness Tour. Money raised on the tour and from the CD support efforts to end violence against children. Dean's song, If You Come Up Empty, is included. He also appears on Patchwork's rendition of Angel Band.
Video
In this video Dean and Patchwork perform their contributions to the CD during a concert stop on the 20th Anniversary Tenderness Tour at Avon Christian Church in Avon, Ind.
If You Come Up Empty
The inspiration for this song came from conversations about children becoming adults and reaching an age where you have to let them make their own decisions and live with the consequences. It's a parent's love that lets go but also keeps the door open, saying, "If things don't work out like you think, know that this is home, and you are always welcome here."
Through the magic of Google, I found out that the song is more or less a Bluegrass standard and was able to pick up some lyrics. The origins of the song are still unclear, but it's always a popular song wherever I play it.
If You Come Up Empty originally appeared on Give Us a Song.