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."
11. Your Hands
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I have trouble I wish wasn't there
And I have asked a thousand ways
That you would take my pain away
You would take my pain away
I am trying to understand
How to walk this weary land
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
When my world is shaking, heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave your hands
When you walked upon the earth
You healed the broken, lost and hurt
I know you hate to see me cry
One day you will set all things right
Yeah, one day you will set all things right
When my world is shaking, heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave your hands
Your hands that shaped the world
Are holding me
They hold me still
Your hands that shaped the world
Are holding me
They hold me still
When my world is shaking, heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave you
When my world is shaking, heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave
I never leave your hands
JJ Heller's song "Your Hands" is a beautiful display of faith and trust in God during times of struggle and pain. The lyrics express the artist's vulnerabilities and struggles, where she admits to having "unanswered prayers" and "trouble [she] wish[es] wasn't there." Despite these struggles, she continues to ask God to "take [her] pain away" and seeks to understand how to navigate her troubles. The line "make straight the paths that crooked lie" demonstrates her plea for guidance and bravery to tackle her problems.
The chorus of the song is incredibly comforting and reassuring. Heller finds solace in knowing that "heaven stands" even when her "world is shaking" and that God's hands are always holding her. She reminds herself that God has the ability to heal the broken and lost, and that one day, all things will be set right. The last two verses reinforce this message, emphasizing that the same hands that shaped the world are holding her still.
Overall, "Your Hands" is a poignant reminder to trust in God during difficult times and acknowledge that He is always there, offering comfort and guidance.
Line by Line Meaning
I have unanswered prayers
There are things I wish You would do for me. I've spoken about them to You many times and I'm still waiting for a response.
I have trouble I wish wasn't there
There are situations in my life that I don't like and wish were different. They cause me pain and make things more difficult for me.
And I have asked a thousand ways
I've tried many different approaches to get You to intervene and make things better for me. I'm open to any solution, but I'm not sure what else to do.
That you would take my pain away
I'm asking You to alleviate my suffering and make things easier for me. I'm hoping for some sort of miracle that will take away my pain.
You would take my pain away
I'm expressing my desire for You to help me in a concrete way. I'm asking for a solution that will make my situation better.
I am trying to understand
I'm making an effort to comprehend what You want from me and how to deal with the challenges in my life. I'm open to learning and growing from this experience.
How to walk this weary land
I'm struggling to navigate my way through the difficulties in my life. I'm looking for guidance and direction that will help me move forward.
Make straight the paths that crooked lie
I'm asking You to help me overcome the obstacles in my life and lead me along a smoother path. I'm hoping for some sort of divine intervention that will make things easier for me.
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
I'm acknowledging Your power and authority over my life. I'm asking for Your help and guidance to lead me in the right direction.
When my world is shaking, heaven stands
Even when everything around me is chaotic and uncertain, I believe that You are in control. I trust that You will protect me and keep me safe.
When my heart is breaking
I'm feeling emotionally overwhelmed and vulnerable. I'm experiencing pain and sadness that make it difficult to keep going.
I never leave your hands
I know that You are always with me, even in my darkest moments. I'm comforted by the fact that You are there to support and guide me.
You healed the broken, lost and hurt
I'm grateful for the way You have helped others who were also suffering. I believe that You have the power to heal me as well.
I know you hate to see me cry
I'm acknowledging the depth of Your love and compassion for me. I know that You care about my pain and that it hurts You to see me suffer.
One day you will set all things right
I have faith that You will eventually make things better. I believe that You will bring justice and restore things to the way they should be.
Your hands that shaped the world
I'm amazed by Your creativity and power. I recognize that You are the one who rules over the entire universe.
Are holding me
I'm comforted by the fact that You are holding me close. I feel safe and secure in Your embrace.
They hold me still
I'm finding peace and tranquility in Your presence. I feel able to rest and be still in Your care.
I never leave you
I'm making a commitment to stay close to You. I want to continue to rely on You and trust You no matter what happens in my life.
I never leave your hands
I know that You will always be there to guide and protect me. I'm choosing to place my faith in You and rely on Your strength and wisdom.
Lyrics © AMPLIFIED ADMINISTRATION
Written by: David Heller, Jennifer Heller, Katie Herzing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind