By Kierstin Casella (2006)

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."

Control
JJ Heller Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

The cut is deep, but never deep enough for me
It doesn't hurt enough to make me forget
One moment of relief is never long enough
To keep the voices in my head
From stealing my peace

Oh, control
It's time, time to let you go

Perfection has a price
But I cannot afford to live that life
It always ends the same; a fight I never win
Oh, control
It's time, time to let you go

I'm letting go of the illusion
I'm letting go of the confusion
I can't carry it another step
I close my eyes and take a breath
I'm letting go, letting go

There were scars before my scars
Love written on the hands that hung the stars
Hope living in the blood that was spilled for me

Oh, control
It's time, time to let you go

Control
It's time, time to let you go

Overall Meaning

The song "Control" by JJ Heller is a powerful anthem about letting go of control and finding freedom in vulnerability. The first verse describes the singer's struggle with self-harm and the constant battle with the voices in her head. She admits that the relief she gets from hurting herself is temporary and ultimately fails to provide lasting peace. The chorus is a plea to let go of the need for control, which is holding her back and causing her pain. The second verse continues with the struggles of seeking perfection, which only ends in a futile fight that never truly brings joy. The singer acknowledges that she must let go of the illusion of control and the confusion it brings in order to move forward. The bridge is a declaration of faith, acknowledging the scars and blood of Jesus as a source of hope and freedom from control.

Overall, the lyrics of "Control" are a powerful message about the burden of control and the freedom that comes with letting go. The song encourages listeners to find hope in vulnerability and faith in Christ's sacrifice.

Line by Line Meaning

The cut is deep, but never deep enough for me
I'm hurting badly, but not enough to forget my pain.

It doesn't hurt enough to make me forget
My pain isn't strong enough to overcome my memory.

One moment of relief is never long enough
Short-lived comfort is insufficient to soothe me.

To keep the voices in my head
To prevent the intrusive thoughts from taking over.

From stealing my peace
From robbing me of my serenity.

Oh, control
A cry to break free from the control.

It's time, time to let you go
The realization has come to let go of the desire for control.

Perfection has a price
The pursuit of perfection has a cost.

But I cannot afford to live that life
I cannot bear the burden of living that lifestyle.

It always ends the same; a fight I never win
The result is always the same, a struggle I cannot triumph.

I'm letting go of the illusion
I'm freeing myself from the belief that I can achieve the unattainable.

I'm letting go of the confusion
I'm letting go of the uncertainty that has been created.

I can't carry it another step
I can't bear the weight any longer.

I close my eyes and take a breath
I pause and breathe to find calm.

There were scars before my scars
Others have endured pains before me.

Love written on the hands that hung the stars
The love of God is remarkable.

Hope living in the blood that was spilled for me
The sacrifice made by God gives me hope.

Oh, control
An outcry to shed the hold control has.

It's time, time to let you go
The time has come to let go of the hold on control.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: AGUSTIN GILBERTO CEREZO GARZA, CARLOS ALBERTO CHAIREZ GARCIA, cesar PLIEGO VILLARREAL, DANTE SPINETTA, FRANK RODRIGUEZ, JOAQUIN ULISES LOZANO AGUIRRE, JOHN KING, JUAN OMAR GONGORA RANGEL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS