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."
Collection Of Thoughts
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wanted to drown all your sorrows
I did what I thought I should
It didn't do anyone a bit of good
But I tried
So who do you want me to be
I will give my best effort
This is my collection of thoughts
Take it or leave if you want
I can't be who I'm not anymore
I've been wasting my time
Going out of my mind tryin' to please you
I find it's never enough
I have grown tired of being afraid to cry
When I live a lie I feel something inside of me die
Then a revelation comes from the inside
'Cause I am who I am
Who am I to question creation
For whatever it's worth here is my humble reflection
A collection of thoughts...
The song Collection Of Thoughts by JJ Heller speaks about the pressures of trying to please others by being someone you are not. The lyrics talk about the desire to save the day and drown someone's sorrows, but in the end, it doesn't do anyone any good. The singer acknowledges that she has been wasting her time trying to please others and it's never enough. She has become tired of living a lie and feels something inside of her die. However, a revelation from inside tells her that she is who she is and there's no need to question her creation. She humbly presents her collection of thoughts without any expectation of validation, acceptance or approval.
The lyrics of this song show that it is ok to be yourself, regardless of what others may think or expect of you. Being true to oneself is much more fulfilling than trying to live up to someone else's expectations. This song is an encouragement to everyone to embrace their individuality and to be comfortable in their skin.
Line by Line Meaning
I wanted to save the day
I had a desire to rescue you from your problems and save the situation
I wanted to drown all your sorrows
I wished to take away your pain and sadness by empowering you with positivity and love
I did what I thought I should
I followed my instincts and acted according to my beliefs
It didn't do anyone a bit of good
Unfortunately, my actions had no positive impact on anyone involved
But I tried
Despite the outcome, I attempted to make a difference in your life
So who do you want me to be
I am willing to change and become whatever you desire
I will give my best effort
I will do everything in my power to meet your expectations
And if I succeed consequently I will be the lesser
If I do manage to accomplish what you want, I may have to sacrifice my own desires and well-being
This is my collection of thoughts
These are my personal reflections gathered over time
Take it or leave if you want
You can either accept or reject my thoughts depending on what resonates with you
I can't be who I'm not anymore
I cannot continue pretending to be someone else other than who I truly am
I've been wasting my time going out of my mind tryin' to please you
My previous attempts to satisfy you resulted in me being stressed and distracted from my own life
I find it's never enough
No matter how hard I try to please you, it never seems to satisfy you completely
I have grown tired of being afraid to cry
I am exhausted from holding back my emotions and not allowing myself to express vulnerability
When I live a lie I feel something inside of me die
Pretending to be someone I'm not causes a part of me to wither away and lose authenticity
Then a revelation comes from the inside
Finally, a realization dawns upon me from within
'Cause I am who I am
I am unique and cannot change my intrinsic nature
Who am I to question creation
I should not doubt the purpose behind my existence or my identity
For whatever it's worth here is my humble reflection
This is my honest and simple perspective, regardless of how valuable or insignificant it may be
A collection of thoughts...
These are just the musings and opinions of a single individual
Contributed by Natalie E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Delta
Her voice is lovely, she's very underrated. Thank you for making this.
C C
I found her (them) through a shared FB page on someone's page who I'm not even friends with. What a gift! As a Christian who is looking for something "new and pure" and not so "main-streamy" or "contemporary", JJ's music is precisely what I've been longing for.
Hit Songs
thank you so much. amen....
Sal G
Lovely music gives me peace.
Hit Songs
Thanks for your comment. Please share this video and subscribe for more! God bless you. Amen🙏
lmnop12347
Your gentle, lovely voice is amazing
Popo Joshou
I love all of her songs ♥️
ha thu
Thank you for sharing. Happy new year to you 😊
lmnop12347
My wife found your music through her MOPS group . We all listen to it . My daughter asks for " mommies music" to take her nap to
Suzie Coelho
I love listening to the songs 🌻💖🎶