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."
Better
JJ Heller Lyrics
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Feels like you′ve always been here in my life
Your voice is like a song, I can't forget you
And I never want to let you go
I just want to let you know
You make me laugh a little louder
You make me dream a little bigger
′Cause you make me
You make me better
We hold so many mem'ries in our hearts
So close even if we are far apart
Standing on the edge of new beginnings
I can't wait to see just what you′ll do
And every time I think of you
You make me laugh a little louder
You make me dream a little bigger
My life is so much sweeter
′Cause you make me...
Better than I would have been without you
Better than I've ever been before
I treasure every moment we′re together
Just for now
Let me tell you how...
You make me laugh a little louder
You make me dream a little bigger
My life is so much sweeter because
You make me breathe a little deeper
You make me sing a little stronger
My life is so much sweeter
'Cause you make me
You make me better
You make me better
The song "Better" by JJ Heller is a romantic love song that expresses gratitude for someone who has made life better. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who has had a profound impact on the singer's life, and who has made everything sweeter and brighter. The refrain, "You make me better," expresses the central sentiment of the song.
The opening lines, "Your smile plays like a movie in my mind / Feels like you've always been here in my life," suggest that the singer has known this person for a long time and that they are an important part of her life. The line "Your voice is like a song, I can't forget you" is particularly poetic, implying that the person's very presence is musical and memorable.
The pre-chorus is an affirmation of the positive impact this person has had on the singer's life: "You make me laugh a little louder / You make me dream a little bigger / My life is so much sweeter 'cause you make me." The chorus reiterates this sentiment and adds the idea that the person makes the singer a better version of herself: "You make me better than I would have been without you / Better than I've ever been before."
The second verse acknowledges that distance may separate the two people but affirms that they remain close in heart: "We hold so many mem'ries in our hearts / So close even if we are far apart." The bridge brings a sense of urgency to the song, as if the singer is aware that the time she has with this person is precious: "Just for now / Let me tell you how..."
Overall, "Better" is a sweet, heartfelt love song that celebrates the positive effects that one person can have on another's life.
Line by Line Meaning
Your smile plays like a movie in my mind
Your beautiful smile keeps replaying in my head like a scene from a movie. It's a memory that's hard to forget.
Feels like you've always been here in my life
Being with you feels so natural, like we've known each other forever. I can't imagine my life without you in it.
Your voice is like a song, I can't forget you
Your voice is so captivating, like a beautiful melody that I can't get out of my head. Once I've met you, I can never forget you.
And I never want to let you go
I never want to lose you. You've become an important part of my life, and I can't bear the thought of not having you with me.
I just want to let you know
I just want to express how much you mean to me, and how much I appreciate having you in my life.
You make me laugh a little louder
Being with you brings out the best in me. I find myself laughing more when I'm with you, and it's a feeling I cherish.
You make me dream a little bigger
You inspire me to dream big and pursue my goals with more passion. Being around you makes me believe that anything is possible.
My life is so much sweeter
Simply having you in my life makes everything better. You bring joy and happiness that I can't find anywhere else.
'Cause you make me
It's all because of you. Without you, I wouldn't be the person I am today. You make me a better version of myself.
We hold so many mem'ries in our hearts
We have shared so many beautiful moments together, and those memories will always be in our hearts. No matter where we go, they will always be with us.
So close even if we are far apart
Even if we are physically apart, we are still close in our hearts. Our bond is strong enough to withstand any distance.
Standing on the edge of new beginnings
We are at the beginning of a new journey together. It's exciting and a little scary, but I know we'll face it together.
I can't wait to see just what you'll do
I am so excited to see all the amazing things you'll accomplish in your life. You have so much potential, and I know you'll make a difference in the world.
Better than I would have been without you
You have made such a positive impact on my life. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today. You have helped me grow and become a better person.
Better than I've ever been before
Being with you has made me happier than I've ever been before. You have brought so much love and light into my life.
I treasure every moment we're together
Every moment spent with you is precious to me. I cherish the time we have together and never take it for granted.
Just for now
In this moment, I want to express how much you mean to me. I want to live in this moment and appreciate everything about you.
Let me tell you how...
I want to share my feelings with you, to let you know how much I love and appreciate you.
You make me breathe a little deeper
Being around you makes me feel alive. I take deeper breaths and feel more present in the moment when I'm with you.
You make me sing a little stronger
You inspire me to be my best self. I feel more confident and capable when I'm with you, and I'm grateful for that.
You make me better
Simply put, you make me a better version of myself. I am happier, stronger, and more fulfilled because of you.
Writer(s): Virginia Owens, Jennifer Heller, David Heller
Contributed by Olivia O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Isaac Solomon
Your smile plays like a movie in mind
Feels like you've always been here in my life
Your voice is like a song, I can't forget you
And I never want to let you go
I just want to let you know
You make me laugh a little louder
You make me dream a little bigger
My life is so much sweeter
'Cause you make me
You make me better
We hold so many memories in our hearts
So close even if we are far apart
Standing on the edge of new beginnings
I can't wait to see just what you'll do
And every time I think of you
You make me laugh a little louder
You make me dream a little bigger
My life is so much sweeter
'Cause you make me
Better than I would have been without you
Better than I've ever been before
I treasure every moment we're together
Just for now
Let me tell you how
You make me laugh a little louder
You make me dream a little bigger
My life is so much sweeter because
You make me breathe a little deeper
You make me sing a little stronger
My life is so much sweeter
'Cause you make me
You make me better
You make me better
jocelyn lico
Your smile plays like a movie in my mind
Feels like you've always been here in my life
Your voice is like a song, I can't forget you
And I never want to let you go
I just want to let you know
You make me laugh a little louder
You make me dream a little bigger
My life is so much sweeter
'Cause you make me
You make me better
We hold so many mem'ries in our hearts
So close even if we are far apart
Standing on the edge of new beginnings
I can't wait to see just what you'll do
And every time I think of you
You make me laugh a little louder
You make me dream a little bigger
My life is so much sweeter
'Cause you make me...
Better than I would have been without you
Better than I've ever been before
I treasure every moment we're together
Just for now
Let me tell you how...
You make me laugh a little louder
You make me dream a little bigger
My life is so much sweeter because
You make me breathe a little deeper
You make me sing a little stronger
My life is so much sweeter
'Cause you make me
You make me better
You make me better
Jessica rose
This was our wedding song in Paris France..... now we dance to it with little feet running around us ..... your music has become our go to bed music for the kiddos even .... thankyou ❤️
Rarunron Anumas
I'm a fan from Thailand and I really like your songs. Your voice and music relax me.
Sondra Motowidlak
Anyone know where I can get the piano sheet music for this song? Not finding it anywhere so far
Sandra N
Marry someone who's your best friend marry someone who will make you laugh when all you want to do is cry marry someone you can't imagine being without when you close your eyes
Alpha Centauri
Sandra N that sounds like a dream...I worry it might be too late for me.
So much heartbreak.
I didn’t know how to be me, who I even was until way later. Due to trauma and trying to please others, modify to be others version of me...I didn’t know how to attract a best friend. I didn’t even know how to be a friend to my self... and it’s sad.
Seeing those who had that early and have someone they can be themselves with, who accepts them, seems surreal.
What a dream that would be.
Jury Manwell
❤❤❤
Isaac Solomon
Your smile plays like a movie in mind
Feels like you've always been here in my life
Your voice is like a song, I can't forget you
And I never want to let you go
I just want to let you know
You make me laugh a little louder
You make me dream a little bigger
My life is so much sweeter
'Cause you make me
You make me better
We hold so many memories in our hearts
So close even if we are far apart
Standing on the edge of new beginnings
I can't wait to see just what you'll do
And every time I think of you
You make me laugh a little louder
You make me dream a little bigger
My life is so much sweeter
'Cause you make me
Better than I would have been without you
Better than I've ever been before
I treasure every moment we're together
Just for now
Let me tell you how
You make me laugh a little louder
You make me dream a little bigger
My life is so much sweeter because
You make me breathe a little deeper
You make me sing a little stronger
My life is so much sweeter
'Cause you make me
You make me better
You make me better
Enzo Z.
Those lyrics are sooo wonderful! 😍😍
Sara Fehr
My sister played this as she walked down the aisle at her wedding today🥺
Hector Hector
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