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 youβve 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 Nashvilleβs Sputnik Sound with Grammy-winning producer Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay, Bebo Norman.)
βI 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,β explains Dane. β[JJ and Dave] live their art, and I never felt like they were trying too hard to be something they weren't.β
In addition to JJ and Daveβs 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 (Caedmonβs Call) on guitars/backing vocals.
Only Love Remains follows Hellerβs 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 Daveβs business sense and creative input, and JJβs loose artistic style drives their success.
βWeβre definitely two halves of a whole,β she explains. βI 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.β
For Only Love Remains, the pair focused on a braver songwriting style, departing slightly from JJβs 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. βThis album is all about redemption,β observes JJ. β Looking back on the songs, thereβs a lot of struggle written into them because thatβs 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.β
Perhaps itβs her insight and sensitivity that consistently draw a female audience to JJβs 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 JJβs 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."
Dream
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't wake up too fast today
Broken world
Please be kind and don't stay too long
Dream little girl of days so long ago
Dream little girl
Imagining they will find something new
I've been so long without you
I need a distraction
To numb this reaction of my heart and mind
So help me endure this
And I pray that I won't miss it all
Sleeping girl
Don't wake up too fast today
Broken world
What can I learn from you today
The song "Dream" by JJ Heller creates a vivid picture of a girl who is sleeping and is encouraged not to wake up too fast from her peaceful slumber. The lyrics signify that the world we live in is broken and unforgiving, and thus the sleeping girl is urged to take it easy and not let the brokenness of the world affect her innocence. The second verse tells us that the girl is dreaming, going back to the days when everything was perfect and unblemished. The haunting memories of the past reoccur in her mind, and she hopes that one day there may be something new that will replace them. She has been without this feeling for so long that she needs a distraction to numb her reaction - her heart and mind. The singer prays that she won't miss anything and asks what lesson she can learn from the broken world.
However, we can interpret this song from a broader perspective as well. The sleeping girl may represent the child in all of us, who has not yet experienced the cruelty of the world. The broken world mentioned in the lyrics could mean that the innocence of a child gradually wears off as they grow up and become exposed to harsh realities. The singer wishes for the girl to hold on to and cherish this innocence for as long as possible. The verse about needing a distraction can be interpreted as craving an escape from the harsh reality of life.
Overall, the song "Dream" carries a beautiful and melancholic message. It speaks of the inevitable loss of innocence and the importance of holding onto it for as long as possible. It also recognizes the harshness of the world we live in and the need for distractions to cope with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Sleeping girl
Addressing the girl who is deep in sleep.
Don't wake up too fast today
Requesting her to wake up in a leisurely way.
Broken world
Referring to the world in a sad or melancholic tone.
Please be kind and don't stay too long
Asking the broken world to leave as soon as possible.
Dream little girl of days so long ago
Encouraging the sleeping girl to dream of her past happy days.
Dream little girl
Reiterating the previous line to emphasize the need to dream.
Memories haunt the corners of my mind
Describing the way past memories come to mind and negatively affect us.
Imagining they will find something new
Hoping that the same old memories will find a new, more favorable interpretation.
I've been so long without you
Expressing the singer's feeling of loss and distance from something that was once a part of her life.
I need a distraction
Acknowledging the need for a break or a diversion from her thoughts.
To numb this reaction of my heart and mind
Desiring a distraction to help alleviate negative emotional or mental state.
So help me endure this
Asking for strength to carry through with the difficult and distressing feelings.
And I pray that I won't miss it all
Asking for the opportunity to experience life more fully and deeply.
Sleeping girl
Revisiting the girl who is still asleep.
Don't wake up too fast today
Repeating the request to wake up slowly and gradually.
Broken world
Referring to the world again, still feeling melancholic.
What can I learn from you today
Asking the broken world what lessons it has to offer, even in its brokenness.
Contributed by Sophia G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Majesty Studio Pro
She is back. These are the type of songs I like from you. Soft, dreamy and catchy and honoring God and encouraging mankind. Thanks a lot my sister.
Sara M'Salbi
Your songs are the soundtrack of my life as a mom π₯° they are played constantly in our home π‘ and for every pregnancy I had a favorite jj heller song as βour songβ for me and baby π
RingoStarr's3rdWifeyxoxo
I have a child with Autism and I feel somehow a deep soul connection to him. He loves this song. β€
Shoonya
Your songs are nothing but someone plucking the heart strings ..pure pure gold JJ ππ. You write n sing for the soul. Thankyou for sharing your angelic voice with the worldπ
ariesxflame
As a new mom I've been blessed by your songs thank you
Jim Bob
What a beautiful song! Brings back so many great memories of when our children were little ones. Time sure does pass by quickly.
kataang222
I love your songs. I cry at each one. Thank you β€οΈ
Joseph Clark
So beautiful, maβam! I could listen to your voice singing all day. Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift! It is a blessing to allβ¦
Helena Rogers
So ethereal!!!
Lovely voice.
I love that this song is inspired by what Jake Weidmann originally said to his wife over the phone before hanging up, when they were dating.
Love!!!πππ
Rebekah Jensen
Absolutely Beautiful!! Love your tone for what an awesome song!!