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."
Have Mercy On Me
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm wondering how I got this way
I'm trying to remember what life was like before
Panic moved in without even knocking on the door
Have mercy on me
I'm not who I used to be
Have mercy on me
I've been praying and asking you to take it all away
You never do exactly what I say
You see me from the outside, a lover looking in
But all I see is danger moving underneath my skin
CHORUS
I know it's not because I don't love you enough
It's not because I'm weak, it's how you choose to speak to me
These lyrics from JJ Heller's song "Have Mercy On Me" speak to the feelings of fear, anxiety, and helplessness that can take hold in a person's life without warning. The singer is tired of feeling this way and wonders how they ended up in this state. They try to remember what life was like before the fear took over, but it feels like panic moved in without even knocking on the door.
The singer then addresses Jesus directly, asking for mercy and acknowledging that they are not the same person they used to be. They have been praying for relief from this fear, but it hasn't fully gone away. Despite the singer's love for Jesus, they feel like danger is lurking underneath their skin.
The chorus repeats the plea for mercy from Jesus, showing that the singer is desperate for relief from the fear they are experiencing. The final lines acknowledge that the fear is not a reflection of the singer's love for Jesus or their strength, but rather an obstacle in the relationship that they need help overcoming.
Overall, these lyrics are a powerful expression of the way fear and anxiety can affect a person's life, and the need for spiritual guidance to overcome them.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm tired of being afraid
I'm so worn out from constantly feeling scared and anxious
I'm wondering how I got this way
I'm trying to figure out how I became so fearful and plagued with panic
I'm trying to remember what life was like before
I can't recall what it felt like to not be battling with constant worry
Panic moved in without even knocking on the door
I didn't even see it coming, but panic and fear took over my life without warning
Have mercy on me
Please show me compassion and love
I'm not who I used to be
I've changed so much due to my constant anxiety and fear
Have mercy on me
Please continue to have compassion for me, Jesus
Jesus, please
I'm seeking solace and help from Jesus
I've been praying and asking you to take it all away
I've been begging for relief from my anxiety and fear
You never do exactly what I say
Even though I pray for relief, I know that God's plan is different from mine
You see me from the outside, a lover looking in
God sees me and my situation from a broader perspective than I can
But all I see is danger moving underneath my skin
Despite that I cannot shake off this feeling of anxiety and fear that gnaws at me, making me think that something bad is going to happen
I know it's not because I don't love you enough
I'm not experiencing this due to lack of love for Jesus - this is not the reason for my anxiety
It's not because I'm weak, it's how you choose to speak to me
It's not because I am weak, but perhaps since I am not able to understand God's love properly, I'm not able to see things in the right light, making me anxious
Contributed by Lucy L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tommy Mogaka
Powerful prayer! Thanks for making this song, may God bless your every endeavor JJ & Dave!
David Valdez
I was just listening to this on Pandora... Stopped me in my tracks. I had to sit...listen and pray. Such a beatiful prayer and music that carries this out. Thank you for your gift.
Random ASMR
I love this ❤️
Jerrie M
I love this song!
Michelle Cristina
Parabéns. Deus a Abençoe.
Random ASMR
Great song to repent too and ask for Forgiveness.
AML
This is so apt. As all around us the world is crashing down. Its time to repent and ask for mercy for forsaking the true and living God. Who has been so faithful, loving and kind.
Gayle Christensen
This song is 5 minutes and 55 seconds long. Kingdom numbers for God's grace and mercy. Long Jesus is so almighty powerful and yet so full of mercy at the same time
Amanda Ferreira
My pray.