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."
Boat Song
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A boat, my darling
I'd be the wind at your back
If you were afraid, my darling
Afraid, my darling
I'd be the courage you lack
If you were a bird, then I'd be a tree
If you were asleep, then I'd be a dream
Wherever you are, that's where my heart will be
Oh, do you know we belong together?
Oh, do you know my heart is yours?
If you were the ocean, I'd be the sand
If you were a song, I'd be the band
If you were the stars, then I'd be the moon
A light in the dark, my darling, for you
Oh, do you know we belong together?
Oh, do you know my heart is yours?
Oh, do you know we belong together?
Oh, do you know my heart is yours?
Oh, do you know we belong together?
Oh, do you know my heart is yours?
The lyrics of JJ Heller's song "Boat Song" express a deep commitment to a loved one. The song speaks of the singer's undying loyalty and willingness to support their loved one through every challenge. The lyrics symbolize this commitment through three different metaphors: the boat, the bird, and the ocean.
In the first verse, the singer compares their loved one to a boat, and themselves to the wind that propels the boat forward. The wind is a powerful force that guides the boat through the rough waters, just as the singer promises to guide their loved one through times of fear and doubt.
In the second verse, the singer compares their loved one to a bird and themselves to a tree. The tree is a place of refuge where the bird can find shelter and safety, and the singer promises to be that reliable haven for their loved one.
In the third verse, the singer compares their loved one to the ocean and themselves to the sand. The sand is a solid foundation that the ocean can wash over, and the singer promises to be that steadfast grounding for their loved one.
Overall, "Boat Song" is a beautiful expression of deep love and commitment. The lyrics speak to the enduring power of love and the importance of being there for the people we care about.
Line by Line Meaning
If you were a boat, my darling
A boat, my darling
I'd be the wind at your back
I will support and guide you through life's journey, just like the wind at the back of a boat.
If you were afraid, my darling
Afraid, my darling
I'd be the courage you lack
I will be your source of courage whenever you feel scared or helpless.
If you were a bird, then I'd be a tree
And you would come home, my darling, to me
I will provide you a place of safety, security, and comfort that you can always call home.
If you were asleep, then I'd be a dream
Wherever you are, that's where my heart will be
Even in your dreams, I will always be present; wherever you go, my heart will always be with you.
If you were the ocean, I'd be the sand
If you were a song, I'd be the band
If you were the stars, then I'd be the moon
A light in the dark, my darling, for you
I will be supportive in every way possible, just like how sand supports the ocean, how a band supports a song, and how the moon provides light for the stars in the dark sky.
Oh, do you know we belong together?
Oh, do you know my heart is yours?
Expressing the undeniable connection and love they share.
Oh, do you know we belong together?
Oh, do you know my heart is yours?
Oh, do you know we belong together?
Oh, do you know my heart is yours?
The repetitions of these lines, express the depth of love and connection between the two.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
gerhard sochor
Lyrics:
If you were a boat, my darling
A boat, my darling
I'd be the wind at your back
If you were afraid, my darling
Afraid, my darling
I'd be the courage you lack
If you were a bird, then I'd be a tree
And you would come home, my darling, to me
If you were asleep, then I'd be a dream
Wherever you are, that's where my heart will be
Oh, do you know we belong together?
Oh, do you know my heart is yours?
If you were the ocean, I'd be the sand
If you were a song, I'd be the band
If you were the stars, then I'd be the moon
A light in the dark, my darling, for you
Oh, do you know we belong together?
Oh, do you know my heart is yours
Oh, do you know we belong together?
Oh, do you know my heart is yours?
Oh, do you know we belong together?
Oh, do you know my heart is yours?
charlee😈
my mom used to sing this to me and my brother when we were little. my parents just split up and this song reminds me of her<3
Queen Elizabeth3000
omg same she used to sing this to me every night
These Truths
So sorry. Don't worry, you will find a true good love who will stay. Keep to good defined standards so that person is good quality! Good marriages just don't plop in our laps anymore...they take absolute commitment with healthy boundaries.
The Autumn Wind
Sorry, Charlee 😢
WARVIATION
sorry bro
Autumn Madden
I heard you play this at a World Vision Chapel in WA. In that moment, i cried and said to myself, “this song is the song i will sing every night for my kids” well fast forward 2 years, this is my daughters comfort song. I played it for her in the womb and each night as she laid down. Now when we need to get her centered and calmed down we play this song. ❤thank you for such a special song.
Netsanet Haile
Planing to do the same 10 weeks 🤰
Nikitayla
I remember watching this on a Christian music video channel at 12 . It soothed my feelings so much and I was inspired to write lyrics! I hadn’t heard this song in about ten years and I knew the lyrics but didn’t know the name thanks to Google deciphering lyrics to search!🎉❤❤❤❤❤
Zarathushtra
No words... This work of arts brings to me the subtle image of my grandmother from Ukraine, who was very unlucky in life - but she did not give up to circumstances :) Excellent !
Justtryme 2020
I remember singing this song to my children when they were smaller and I was trying to get them to sleep. Such sweet memories. My youngest is a Senior in high school this year. Time is a thief.