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."
Hero
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh it all depends
On the suffering and tragedy the day has brought
And what will I bring You
Submission without question
What can I offer
That You don't give to me
You can see right through me
Can I be
Can I be free
Finally
Finally I'm raising up my hands in surrender
Help me Jesus be my hero
Help me my hero
How many days
Will I wallow in my rebellion
How many times will I deny the inside
Of my white washed tomb
Oh Father please come cover me
Rescue me from my self
Oh Abba please
Embrace this wayward child
The lyrics to JJ Heller's song Hero explore the themes of surrender and redemption in the context of Christian belief. The singer seems to be struggling with their identity and their relationship with God, unsure of whether they are capable of being the "lover" or the "mob" depending on their circumstances. They acknowledge their own limitations, asking "What can I offer / That You don't give to me", suggesting a sense of humility and reliance on God. The theme of surrender is emphasized in the chorus, where the singer raises their hands in surrender and asks Jesus to be their hero, implicitly acknowledging their need for salvation.
The second verse delves deeper into the singer's struggles, speaking of their rebellion and denial of their true self. They ask God to rescue them from themselves and embrace them as a wayward child, portraying a sense of vulnerability and humility. The song ultimately provides a message of hope, suggesting that even the most flawed and imperfect individuals can find redemption and be lifted up by God.
Line by Line Meaning
Who will I be today the lover or the mob
I have a choice between being someone who loves or someone who causes chaos, and I am not sure which path to take.
Oh it all depends
My decision depends on the circumstances that will happen today.
On the suffering and tragedy the day has brought
My actions are a reflection of the pain and unfortunate events that I have experienced today.
And what will I bring You
I wonder what I can offer to God.
Submission without question
Maybe all God wants from me is to be humble and obedient.
What can I offer
I feel like I have nothing to give that God doesn't already have.
That You don't give to me
God already gives me everything, so what can I possibly offer Him?
You can see
God knows everything about me.
You can see right through me
God sees all the good and the bad that is inside me, even the things that I try to hide from others.
Can I be
I wonder if I can really change and be better.
Can I be free
I want to break free from all the negative things that hold me back.
Finally
After struggling for so long, I am finally making progress.
Finally I'm raising up my hands in surrender
I am giving up control and letting God take over.
Help me Jesus be my hero
I need Jesus to guide me and help me be the person I want to be.
How many days
I keep making the same mistakes over and over again.
Will I wallow in my rebellion
I keep choosing to disobey and be stubborn.
How many times will I deny the inside
I keep ignoring my true feelings and desires.
Of my white washed tomb
I am like a tomb that looks clean on the outside but is still full of dead things on the inside.
Oh Father please come cover me
I need God's love and protection to shield me from harm.
Rescue me from my self
I need God to save me from my own destructive behavior.
Oh Abba please
Dear God, I am calling out to You.
Embrace this wayward child
I need God to accept me and show me love, even though I have made mistakes and strayed from the right path.
Contributed by Caleb K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Elisangela Cardoso
Isso não é o que você pensou que seria
Seus sonhos colidem com a realidade
Você está perdido no nevoeiro
Sem resposta à vista
Você não consegue encontrar uma pílula que faça tudo certo
O que eu daria para ficar bem?
Se você alguma vez começar a duvidar
Quando é difícil continuar esperando
Eu só quero que você saiba que eu acredito em
eu acredito em você
Quando você está cansado de lutar
E parece que você está quebrado
Eu só quero que você saiba que eu acredito em
eu acredito em você
Corrida sem linha de chegada
Agora você está na luta de toda a sua vida
Você trabalha o dobro para chegar a metade
Ninguém conhece o herói que você é
Eu quero que você conheça o herói que você é
Se você alguma vez começar a duvidar
Quando é difícil continuar esperando
Eu só quero que você saiba que eu acredito em
eu acredito em você
Quando você está cansado de lutar
E você se sente como se estivesse quebrado
Eu só quero que você saiba que eu acredito em
eu acredito em você
Veja o quão longe você chegou
O que você já fez
Eu quero que você saiba que eu acredito em
eu acredito em você
Sempre que você esquecer
Vou dizer tudo de novo
Se você alguma vez começar a duvidar
Quando é difícil continuar esperando
Eu só quero que você saiba que eu acredito em
eu acredito em você
Quando você está cansado de lutar
E você se sente como se estivesse quebrado
Eu só quero que você saiba que eu acredito em
eu acredito em você
eu acredito em
eu acredito em você
Dakota Pendell
This song can be related to so many things; chronic illness, mental illness, injuries, grief, etc. Anything that would make one almost give up and it just brings tears to my eyes knowing that this message is for everyone and it will push someone for at least another day. Keep supporting each other, loved ones, neighbors, strangers whoever because you never know when they just need someone to believe in them! ❤
Corrin Renner
I was diagnosed with POTS in 2017. Today I was reflecting back on the times I had limitless energy and could hang out with my friends whenever I wanted. I saw this video on my feed and of course I clicked on it cause it was JJ Heller😉 When I read the intro, I started bawling. I know how she feels; I understand. I’ve been there; I’m there now. This was comforting and encouraging to watch and listen to, especially today when I was having such a hard time coping with this chronic illness. Life is hard and challenging and sometimes it just sucks, but don’t give up. Rest, gather your strength, and keep going. The best is yet to come.
Ava Brickey
Wow you are so strong... I can’t even imagine what you have to go through. I pray that you will find comfort and peace in your pain.
Julia Buonincontro
I’ve been there too, Corrin. Just know you’re doing great and God is closer than we will ever know! 💛🧡💜
One Voice
I have POTS too. And yes, the best really is yet to come.
Jeff Counts
My wife and I live this everyday, like you. It is lupus and sjogrens, not POTS but it is really the same. I can’t express the admiration I have for her, you and everyone else that struggle everyday yet find a way to persevere. She is my hero, as are all of you that fight each and everyday against diseases that people can’t see, yet never go away and rob you of your energy. Take care and God bless! Keep fighting!
Dina Duverseau
May the Lord Jesus heal you all! You're not alone. Always Remember that .
Alisha Rae
From someone who grew up as a depressed teen after a mom passed away; listening to your music, then was diagnosed with POTS, WPW, and SVT at 14 and now 26, and survived an ablation and thankfully healed.. Man. After the battle I fought for so many years, coming across this video made me re-confirm my high appreciation for JJ. Heller.. JJ.. I really hope to meet you one day.. Your love for those suffering saved me from mine multiple times (besides Jesus). Helping us get through such hard times.. I just want to hug you and thank you for pouring out consideration for us, and never changing your value.. Thank you.. -Sincerely, the girl who has listened to you 12 years,,
Laura Sadler
Listen to this song with the thought of Jesus speaking to you of who you are in His eyes!!!!❤❤ thank you Jesus for everything youve done for me
Ri Kynti
Amen