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."
Invisible Love
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I would never move
If my eyes could see you
I'd have no faith to prove
The wonder of invisible love
This is how it has to be
With you and me
When I fall I feel your arms
Before I reach the ground
Lord, I know your whisper
Though I've never heard the sound
The wonder of invisible love
This is how it has to be
With you and me
The wonder of invisible...
Someday there will be no time to mind
I will be your long awaited bride
We will dance away the night
This is how it has to be
With you and me
The wonder of invisible love
Is how it has to be
With you and me
The wonder of invisible love
The "Invisible Love" by JJ Heller is a touching ballad about the power of faith, trust, and commitment even in the absence of physical presence. In the opening lines, the singer expresses her longing to be with her loved one, but since they are separated by distance or circumstance, her arms cannot reach around them. However, rather than feeling hopeless, she emphasizes her unwavering commitment to her partner and the significance of the love they share, irrespective of the physical barriers.
Throughout the rest of the song, the singer goes on to describe the various ways in which she feels the presence of her loved one, despite not being able to see them. She notes that even when she falls, she feels their arms around her before she hits the ground. The song is an ode to the power of faith and the deeply rooted belief that no matter what, the love shared between two people is constant and unwavering.
The final lines of the song suggest that the faith and love between the two lovers will one day come to fruition. The singer states that someday, she will be her partner's long-awaited bride, and they will dance the night away. Overall, the song emphasizes the power of faith and the importance of nurturing a strong relationship with a partner, even in the absence of physical presence.
Line by Line Meaning
If my arms could reach around you
If only I could physically hold you close and never let go
I would never move
I would stay in this embrace, cherishing the moment forever
If my eyes could see you
If only I could visually perceive you
I’d have no faith to prove
I would not need tangible evidence of your existence because seeing would be enough
This is how it has to be
This is the way that our relationship must be structured
With you and me
Between just the two of us
When I fall I feel your arms
In times of trouble, I sense your presence and support
Before I reach the ground
Before I experience the full extent of pain that may come with the fall
Lord, I know your whisper
Even though I cannot audibly hear you, I am aware of your communication
Though I’ve never heard the sound
Your voice is beyond my physical senses but still recognizable
Someday there will be no time to mind
One day, we will not be restrained by physical boundaries
I will be your long awaited bride
I will finally be united with you as I have long anticipated
We will dance away the night
We will rejoice in our love throughout eternity
The wonder of invisible love
The amazing awe-inspiring quality of love that does not rely on physical presence
Is how it has to be
It is the only way our love can exist
With you and me
Between just the two of us
The wonder of invisible love
The amazing awe-inspiring quality of love that does not rely on physical presence
Contributed by Brody T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@randomblabs9829
What a lovely song. I love the reverence of your music!
@berthacuellar1568
I love this song so much that it has inspired me to sing this song at my school! You always stunned inspiriation in my heart and have impacted me through your music! I want to share to my school what you have shared with me but I can’t seem to find a instrumental. Do you guys have one?
@bexyevans777
Jesus, I just wanna be with You forever. I'm counting down the days until You call me home. I love You so much, always! ❤❤❤❤❤
@suzyvanderkarr5436
Love ❤️
@j4mj4m99
I have a question. is this song a Christian song?
@cookie4sunbeam
yes