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."
Big Love Small Moments
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can′t rush a moment so don't even try, don′t even try
There's a symphony you're missing
If you only listen, you′ll find
Big magic in the mundane
The big picture in a small frame
Everything is sacred when you take time to notice
Big love happens in the small moments
There′s no use in chasing nickels and dimes, nickels and dimes
Riches all around you, open your eyes, open your eyes
You can't buy the piece you′re after so don't even try
′Cause you'll find
Big magic in the mundane
The big picture in a small frame
Everything is sacred when you take time to notice
Big love happens in the small moments
Big love happens in the small moments
Feel the rain on your skin, feel my hand in your hand
You can′t do it all, so just do what you can
Feel the rain on your skin, feel my hand in your hand
You can't do it all, so just do what you can
Feel the sun on your face (feel the sun on your face)
Bare feet on the ground (feet on the ground)
I know you'll see beautiful things if you look around, yeah
Just look around
And you′ll find
Big magic in the mundane
The big picture in a small frame
Everything is sacred when you take time to notice the
Big magic in the mundane
The big picture in a small frame
Everything is sacred when you take time to notice
Big love happens in the small moments
Big love happens in the small moments
In "Big Love Small Moments," JJ Heller emphasizes the importance of cherishing the simple and ordinary aspects of life. The song reminds us to slow down, appreciate the present, and find magic in everyday experiences. The lyrics convey the message that true love and joy can be found in the small moments that often go unnoticed.
The opening lines, "Heartbeats only happen one at a time, one at a time, you can't rush a moment so don't even try," highlight the significance of being present and fully immersing oneself in the present moment. Rather than rushing through life and seeking instant gratification, the song encourages us to embrace each heartbeat and experience one at a time.
The song suggests that by taking the time to notice and appreciate the simple things in life, we can uncover the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. This is represented in the line "Big magic in the mundane, the big picture in a small frame." It encourages us to find joy and meaning in the ordinary aspects of life, realizing that everything holds a sacred quality if we choose to notice it.
Overall, "Big Love Small Moments" serves as a reminder to slow down, be present, and savor the small moments that make up our lives. It encourages us to find love, joy, and magic in the ordinary, emphasizing that true fulfillment lies in appreciating the beauty of the present moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Heartbeats only happen one at a time, one at a time
Moments of connection can only be experienced one at a time
You can't rush a moment so don't even try, don't even try
Trying to hurry or force a meaningful moment is futile
There's a symphony you're missing
There are beautiful and harmonious experiences you are unaware of
If you only listen, you'll find
By paying attention, you will discover
Big magic in the mundane
Profound wonder and beauty exist in ordinary, everyday moments
The big picture in a small frame
The grand significance of life can be found within small, simple moments
Everything is sacred when you take time to notice
When you pause and observe, everything holds deep meaning and importance
Big love happens in the small moments
Powerful love is experienced and expressed in the small, seemingly insignificant moments
There's no use in chasing nickels and dimes, nickels and dimes
Pursuing wealth and material possessions is ultimately futile
Riches all around you, open your eyes, open your eyes
Abundance and wealth can be found everywhere if you are willing to see
You can't buy the piece you're after so don't even try
True contentment and fulfillment cannot be purchased or acquired
'Cause you'll find
Because if you search
Feel the rain on your skin, feel my hand in your hand
Allow yourself to experience the tactile sensations of rain and human touch
You can't do it all, so just do what you can
It is impossible to accomplish everything, so focus on doing what you are capable of
Feel the sun on your face (feel the sun on your face)
Savor the warmth and brightness of the sun on your skin
Bare feet on the ground (feet on the ground)
Connect with the Earth by being grounded and walking barefoot
I know you'll see beautiful things if you look around, yeah
If you pay attention and observe, you will witness the beauty in your surroundings
Just look around
Simply take a moment to observe
And you'll find
And you will discover
Everything is sacred when you take time to notice the
When you choose to observe, everything becomes meaningful and significant
Big love happens in the small moments
Profound love is experienced and shared in the seemingly insignificant moments
Big love happens in the small moments
Profound love is experienced and shared in the seemingly insignificant moments
Writer(s): Cason Cooley, Jennifer Heller, Dave Heller
Contributed by Lily A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@xiaominyun5642
[lyrics]
Heartbeats only happen one at a time
One at a time
You can't rush a moment
So don't even try
Don't even try
There's a symphony you're missing
If you only listen you'll find ...
Big magic in the mundane
The big picture in a small frame
Everything is sacred when you take time to notice
Big love happens in the small moments
Big love happens in the small moments
There's no use in chasing nickels and dimes
Nickels and dimes
Riches all around you
Open your eyes
Open your eyes
You can't buy the piece you're after
So don't even try
'Cause you'll find ...
Big magic in the mundane
The big picture in a small frame
Everything is sacred when you take time to notice
Big love happens in the small moments
Big love happens in the small moments
Feel the rain on your skin
Feel my hand in your hand
You can't do it all, so just do what you can
Feel the rain on your skin
Feel my hand in your hand
You can't do it all, so just do what you can
Feel the sun on your face
Bare feet on the ground
I know you'll see beautiful things if you look around
Just look around
And you'll find ...
Big magic in the mundane
The big picture in a small frame
Everything is sacred when you take time to notice the ...
Big magic in the mundane
The big picture in a small frame
Everything is sacred when you take time to notice
Big love happens in the small moments
Big love happens in the small moments
@hyeyatee
Big Love, Small Moments
Heartbeats only happen one at a time, one at a time
You can't rush a moment so don't even try, don't even try
There's a symphony you're missing
If you only listen you'll find...
[Chorus]
Big magic in the mundane
The big picture in a small frame
Everything is sacred when you take time to notice
Big love happens in the small moments
Big love happens in the small moments
There's no use in chasing nickels and dimes, nickels and dimes
Riches all around you, open your eyes, open your eyes
You can't buy the piece you're after so don't even try
'Cause you'll find...
Feel the sun on your face (Feel the sun on your face)
Bare feet on the ground (Feet on the ground)
I know you'll see beautiful things if you look around, yeah
Just look around
And you'll find
@ifthismomcan
Thank u for making this song JJ Heller!!
And thank you to the families in this video who let us step into their lives for a little while ❤️
@yellow-is-my-jam8D
First heard this from my school and man this song really hits me home, such a blessing and feels magical indeed. God bless all of you reading 🙏😇
@nataliehooper.19
Man this was what I needed to hear. A reminder to slow down and enjoy the little moments before they're gone. I lost two grandmothers this year and I have been reflecting on the moments I had with them, not realizing how quickly they would be gone. Big love does indeed happen in small moments ❤️
@jjhellermusic
You're so right, Natalie!
@fantomblack
Did anybody else feel a burst of joy when that baby came? You got me happy crying
@abigailneulinger7295
I love how her music isnt about break ups. It seems luke all songs now adays are about breaking up.
@trd4260
What a beautiful video celebrating birth, the love of a solid support system that's found in family and friends. I really enjoyed this video and the song!
@wendybr14
What a beautiful song!
@MrsThebault
JJ you always make me cry. Your songs are SO beautiful!
@jjhellermusic
Thank you!