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."

For You
JJ Heller Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Nobody likes to fall
Nobody likes to lose at all
Nobody likes when bridges get burned
Why does it always hurt to learn

Everyone has a dream
Everyone has a song to sing
Everyone's soul is broken in two

I know that mine was made for you

If I can talk
Then I will sing for you
If I can walk
Then I will dance for you
As long as I can breathe my heart will beat for you

I'm ready to give it all
I'm ready to step outside these walls
I'm ready to give up all that I've earned
If it means a new life in return

If I can talk
Then I will sing for you
If I can walk
Then I will dance for you
As long as I can breathe

My heart will beat for you
For you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of JJ Heller's song "For You" begin by recognizing the painful realities of life. Nobody likes to fall, lose or have to deal with the broken bridges in their lives. These experiences often bring hurt, pain and force us to learn difficult lessons. However, the artist brings hope by acknowledging that everyone has a dream, a song to sing, or a purpose in life. She reveals that her broken soul was made for the person she is singing to; 'you'.

The song is an expression of commitment and sacrifice. The artist is ready to do anything for "you". She pledges to sing, dance or give everything she has earned for the sake of her loved one. Her commitment is total, encompassing every breath that she takes. The artist's willingness to give up everything is a symbol of her trust and faith in the person she is singing to. She believes that by letting go of everything, she is gaining a new life, a new chance to love and be loved by "you".

The lyrics to "For You" are reassuring, hopeful, and tender. The artist's voice is soothing, and the melody is calm and peaceful. The song is a reminder that life can be tough but there is always hope, and that every person has a purpose in life. It is a song about love, selflessness, and devotion that inspires listeners to be better versions of themselves.

Line by Line Meaning

Nobody likes to fall
Everyone is afraid of failing or making mistakes.

Nobody likes to lose at all
No one wants to feel defeated or experience failure in any capacity.

Nobody likes when bridges get burned
It's painful when relationships or opportunities are damaged beyond repair.

Why does it always hurt to learn
Gaining knowledge through experience often comes with a price; it's not always easy or painless.

Everyone has a dream
All human beings have aspirations or goals they hope to accomplish.

Everyone has a song to sing
Each person has their own unique voice or message to share with the world.

Everyone's soul is broken in two
Everyone has suffered emotional pain or loss at some point in their lives.

I know that mine was made for you
The singer believes that she exists to serve or love a specific individual - likely a romantic partner or God.

If I can talk
The singer promises to use her voice and share her feelings.

Then I will sing for you
If given the opportunity, she will use her musical talents to express herself.

If I can walk
She will use her ability to move and take action.

Then I will dance for you
She will celebrate her freedom and joy through the art of dance.

As long as I can breathe my heart will beat for you
Her devotion and love towards this person will never waver or diminish.

I'm ready to give it all
She's prepared to sacrifice everything - money, possessions, pride - if it means enhancing her life in some way.

I'm ready to step outside these walls
She's ready to leave her comfort zone and explore the unknown.

I'm ready to give up all that I've earned
She's willing to abandon her achievements or worldly possessions if it means achieving a greater goal or ideal.

If it means a new life in return
Her sacrifice should ultimately lead to positive growth or transformation.

For you
Her love and devotion is steadfast towards this one person or entity.

Contributed by Micah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS