The first thing you notice about JJ Helle… Read Full Bio ↴By Kierstin Casella (2006)
The first thing you notice about JJ Heller is a wide grin that stretches across her face and welcomes you in as a friend, whether you’ve known her for years or are shaking her hand for the very first time. These days especially, the twenty-five year old west coast native has a lot to be happy about.
In March 2006, she independantly released her third record (scheduled for national release in November 2006), Only Love Remains, showcasing her pure, penetrating voice, and opening the door to a bold new range of songs. JJ, along with her husband Dave (who serves as guitarist, manager, and co-writer) recorded the distinctive album at Nashville’s Sputnik Sound with Grammy-winning producer Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay, Bebo Norman.)
“I found that JJ has an unadulterated approach to song writing. Her songs actually spoke to me, where a lot of Christian music is the same message with different words,” explains Dane. “[JJ and Dave] live their art, and I never felt like they were trying too hard to be something they weren't.”
In addition to JJ and Dave’s prominent talents, Only Love Remains features Bryan Sutton (Dixie Chicks, The Chieftains) on mandolin, guitar and banjo; David Henry (Over the Rhine) on cello; Ben Shive (Andrew Peterson) on piano; Andy Hubbard (Little Big Town, Fernando Ortega) on drums, Aaron Sands (Jars of Clay) on bass; with Jeremy Casella (singer/songwriter) and Andrew Osenga (Caedmon’s Call) on guitars/backing vocals.
Only Love Remains follows Heller’s 2005 EP, Collection of Thoughts, and her debut release, Songs That I Know (2004.)
JJ began her career nearly six years ago at San Jose Christian College where she dabbled in songwriting and performed at local coffeehouses. After graduating, JJ and Dave got married and relocated to Phoenix to pursue music full time. In August of 2006, they moved to Nashville, TN where they currently reside. The combination of Dave’s business sense and creative input, and JJ’s loose artistic style drives their success.
“We’re definitely two halves of a whole,” she explains. “I write the bulk of the lyrics and Dave is the editor and arranger, making the songs more effective. He also does everything on the business side, which is great because it frees me up to be creative.”
For Only Love Remains, the pair focused on a braver songwriting style, departing slightly from JJ’s prior introspective lyrics and exploring story-songs about the lives around them. Musically, they pulled influence from artists like Damien Rice and Over the Rhine, with a lyrical intricacy akin to Patty Griffin. The result is an exceptional collection of songs that is warm and engaging with a little bit of edge.
In writing material for the new release, JJ poured her every day observations into her songbook: stories she heard while traveling, and those nearer to her heart. “This album is all about redemption,” observes JJ. “ Looking back on the songs, there’s a lot of struggle written into them because that’s life. Everyone has different problems to face, but in the end, the outcome hinges on how you deal with those struggles-- if you allow them to destroy you or make you stronger.”
Perhaps it’s her insight and sensitivity that consistently draw a female audience to JJ’s music. She touches on issues of self-image and worry, questions of faith, and feelings of loneliness; her songs resonate with women and offer encouragement. But JJ’s music connects with people from all walks of life. Whether performing in a quaint coffeehouse, at a weekend retreat, or a Sunday morning church service for 1000 people, the Hellers aim to be themselves wherever they go. They maintain a balance of light-hearted humor and poignant dialogue with their listeners.
As an artist, JJ Heller is a mix of eclectic and down-to-earth: from her jeans and t-shirt style to the way she pushes her own boundaries. When it comes to her music, she never settles.
"Music has a way of speaking to my heart like nothing else can," JJ says. "It is my hope and prayer that my songs will somehow speak to my listeners and bring them hope, peace and inspiration."
Missing Peace
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The faith I used to have
Before the sky fell down on me
Behind the curtain
Beneath the hospital bed
Hiding just beyond my reach
Feels like my prayers are
Bouncing off the ceiling tiles
Like the helium balloon
I can't close the distance
Between the way I feel
And what I know is true
I'm caught up in a battle
I wasn't looking for
When I'm searching for solace
In the middle of a war
You are, you are my missing peace
You are, you are, you are my missing peace
My missing peace
I'm tired of waiting
But I'm afraid of how it's gonna end
So I'm stuck here in between
Bracing for bad news
And hoping a miracle
While I'm fighting to believe
I'm caught up in a battle
I wasn't looking for
When I'm searching for solace
In the middle of a war
You are, you are my missing peace
You are, you are, you are my missing peace
You silence, my worry
When fear is deafening
I think I want answers
But what I really need is peace
My missing peace
My missing peace
You are, you are, you are my missing peace
You are, you are, you are my missing peace
My missing peace
In JJ Heller's song "Missing Peace," the lyrics express the struggle of searching for faith during times of difficulty and distress. The first stanza sets the tone for the search for something that seems lost and out of reach. The references to the curtain and the hospital bed suggest a struggle with illness or some kind of physical limitation, which has shaken the singer's faith. The second verse suggests an inner conflict between what the singer feels and what she knows to be true. While she knows she should have faith and trust in a higher power, she is struggling with doubts and the feeling that her prayers are not being heard. However, the chorus presents the solution - the "missing peace" is found in a relationship with a divine being who can bring tranquillity to circumstances of turmoil. The bridge highlights the internal conflict again, as the singer wants answers but realizes that what she needs most is peace in the midst of uncertainty. The repetition of the phrase "my missing peace" emphasizes the importance of finding this elusive but critical element.
This song bears a message of hope and comfort for those who may be struggling with their faith or finding meaning in challenging circumstances. It acknowledges the reality of feeling lost or disconnected but ultimately points to a source of peace that can calm the heart and restore a sense of purpose. The imagery of searching for something that is hidden behind a curtain or out of reach resonates with many people who may feel like they are always striving but never fully finding what they are looking for. This song suggests that the answer is not in striving but in surrendering to a greater power that can bring healing and wholeness.
Line by Line Meaning
I know it's here somewhere
I have faith that used to give me hope.
The faith I used to have
The sky fell down on me, and I lost my faith.
Before the sky fell down on me
I'm searching for my lost faith, but it's out of reach.
Behind the curtain
My faith is hidden from me.
Beneath the hospital bed
It's impossible to find.
Hiding just beyond my reach
My prayers seem unanswered and distant.
Feels like my prayers are
I'm struggling to find comfort.
Bouncing off the ceiling tiles
My faith seems light and ungrounded.
Like the helium balloon
It's hard to keep it tethered and in place.
I can't close the distance
I feel disconnected from my faith.
Between the way I feel
I'm struggling with doubt and uncertainty.
And what I know is true
My faith used to provide clarity and certainty, but now it's elusive.
I'm caught up in a battle
I'm facing spiritual turmoil.
I wasn't looking for
I didn't expect to lose my faith.
When I'm searching for solace
I'm looking for comfort and support.
In the middle of a war
But I'm fighting to regain what I lost.
You are, you are my missing peace
God is the missing piece in my life.
You silence, my worry
God can calm my fears.
When fear is deafening
When I feel overwhelmed by anxiety.
I think I want answers
I want to know why I lost my faith.
But what I really need is peace
But what I need most is comfort and support.
My missing peace
My faith in God.
Writer(s): Andy Gullahorn
Contributed by Penelope F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.