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."
Alone
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why is it so dark down here
Do you know me
Doesn't anybody recognize my face
Or can I be replaced
Can I be replaced
Do you need me
Would you miss me
Would you miss me
I am so alone
Doesn't anyone understand me
I long to be home in my Father's arms
Because he knows me
All I want is a little bit of company
All I have is a paper bag
Full of pieces that don't fit together
Did they ever
I am so alone
Doesn't anyone understand me
I long to be home
In my Father's arms
Because he knows me
But I am so thankful for this time
You so graciously remind me
This is not my home
This is not my home
The lyrics to JJ Heller's song, "Alone," express the feeling of isolation and the longing for comfort and understanding. The opening lines "Where am I, why is it so dark down here, do you know me" convey a sense of lostness and uncertainty. The singer questions whether anyone recognizes her face and wonders if she can be replaced. The idea of being replaced implies a fear of insignificance and a desire to be known and valued.
Further into the song, the singer asks if anyone needs her and poses the hypothetical scenario of leaving to see if she would be missed. These questions highlight the human desire for connection and the fear of rejection or abandonment. The chorus repeats the sentiment of loneliness and ends with the powerful realization that the only true comfort is found in the embrace of a loving Father who knows and understands her.
The last verse expresses gratitude for the time of isolation and the reminder that this world is not her home. It's a reminder of the eternal perspective that faith in God brings and that even in the darkest times, there is still hope and purpose.
Overall, "Alone" is a poignant expression of the human need for connection and the longing for a deeper sense of belonging. It beautifully captures the emotions of feeling lost and alone, while ultimately pointing to the comforting truth that there is a place where we belong and are known and loved.
Line by Line Meaning
Where am I
I am lost and confused about my situation
Why is it so dark down here
I am in a place of emotional darkness
Do you know me
I feel like no one truly knows or understands me
Doesn't anybody recognize my face
I feel unseen and unimportant in the eyes of others
Or can I be replaced
I am questioning my value and worth to others
Can I be replaced
I am afraid of being replaceable and forgotten
Do you need me
I am seeking affirmation of my importance to others
What if I just up and left
I am considering leaving in order to gain attention or validation
Would you miss me
I am desperate for someone to care about me and miss me if I were gone
I am so alone
I feel completely isolated and disconnected from others
Doesn't anyone understand me
I feel like no one truly empathizes or comprehends my feelings or experiences
I long to be home in my Father's arms
I yearn for a sense of safety and belonging in God's love and embrace
Because he knows me
I trust God to truly understand and accept me, regardless of how others perceive me
All I want is a little bit of company
I desire companionship and to feel like I am not alone in my struggles
All I have is a paper bag
I feel like I only have fragmentary or temporary possessions in this world
Full of pieces that don't fit together
I feel disjointed and unable to make sense of my life and its components
Did they ever
I question if my life has ever really made sense or been cohesive
But I am so thankful for this time
I am finding gratitude even in the midst of my struggles
You so graciously remind me
I am being reminded of God's love and presence even in the midst of my feelings of isolation
This is not my home
I am acknowledging that this world and its earthly possessions and relationships are temporary and fleeting
This is not my home
I look forward to an eternal home in heaven with God
Contributed by Layla T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Hundredpercent254
This song expresses my heart whenever i go thro times of loneliness / depression.
EXERCISEYOURHEART
She has such a beautiful voice and such beautiful songs.
Maria Müller
Wow... just wonderful!! Thank you father that i never have to be alone when i'm in you
tisjoanna
JJ Heller never disappoints
bagel
This relates to my friend's life sooooooooo much.
Emja10
This song would go great along with "Welcome to my life"
Andrew Laughlin
i love this song i feel like this.
Mir11Mir
@maria80153 Isn't one of her best? I just discovered this song. I relate to it so much. I think it's beautiful. It's help me to realize I'm not alone in the way I feel and besides that my Father will always be there for me.
Robert Patrick
Appropriate for anyone who feels Alone...its me too :-/
Darla Conner
I miss him. I wished he would come talk to me or just take me home.