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."
Kingdom Come
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It always feels too soon
But when we walk on golden ground
All will be made new
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Life is but a dream at best
Morning's coming soon
Kingdom come will bring us rest
All will be made new
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
All will be made new
All sorrows and sighs
Will fade away into the night
And all will be made new
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
All will be made new
The song "Kingdom Come" by JJ Heller is a perfect example of a song that contains deep lyrics that can be interpreted differently by different listeners. The opening lines of the song "Ashes, ashes, we fall down, It always feels too soon" paint the picture of people falling down or falling apart when things are not going according to their plans. The reference to the game of "Ring around the Rosie" adds a layer of complexity to the song as it is believed that this children's song dates back to the time of the Black Plague. The second line of the song “It always feels too soon” may refer to the idea that death always feels like it comes too soon, but it could also refer to the fact that people always feel let down when their expectations for life are not met.
The chorus of the song "Hallelujah, All will be made new" offers a glimmer of hope to the listener. The song speaks of life as a dream, and how morning always comes soon after. It is in this morning (the new day) that Kingdom Come will bring us rest. Kingdom Come is related to heaven or the afterlife, and the promise of rest shows us that in the afterlife, our sorrows and sighs will fade away into the night, and all will be made new.
In summary, the song Kingdom Come reassures us that there is hope in the afterlife when we will be made new, and all the worries of this world will fade away. It encourages us to hold on, keep pushing, and keep the faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Ashes, ashes, we fall down
We are frail and mortal beings, and no matter how hard we try to avoid it, we will eventually perish.
It always feels too soon
Even though we know our time on earth is limited, death can still come unexpectedly and leave us feeling unprepared.
But when we walk on golden ground
In the afterlife or in a better world, we will experience a sense of wonder and joy that surpasses our earthly existence.
All will be made new
We will experience a rebirth or renewal, where all the scars and imperfections of our earthly life will be erased.
Hallelujah
An exclamation of praise and joy for the hope and anticipation of a better future.
Life is but a dream at best
Our earthly life is temporary and fleeting, like a dream that fades when we wake up.
Morning's coming soon
Just as the night ends and the day begins anew, our struggles on earth will soon come to an end.
Kingdom come will bring us rest
By entering a better world or afterlife, we will be able to rest and find peace from the hardships we experienced in life.
All sorrows and sighs
All of the pain and grief we experienced on earth.
Will fade away into the night
Our pain and sorrow will become a distant memory, just as darkness is replaced by the light of dawn.
And all will be made new
We will be given a new life or existence, where all pain and sorrow will be replaced by happiness and joy.
Hallelujah
An exclamation of praise and joy for the hope and anticipation of a better future.
Hallelujah
An exclamation of praise and joy for the hope and anticipation of a better future.
Hallelujah
An exclamation of praise and joy for the hope and anticipation of a better future.
All will be made new
We will experience a rebirth or renewal, where all the scars and imperfections of our earthly life will be erased.
Lyrics © AMPLIFIED ADMINISTRATION
Written by: DAVID HELLER, JENNIFER J HELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mike Marijanovich
I love J.J. Heller's singing and music. It is so comforting and brings happy tears to my eyes. I got to meet her and her husband at a meet and greet after their concert once.
Brienne Stotts
My little guy started singing this song today. It made my heart happy. Thank you for your soulful music.
Maddy Wooldridge
I love this song , it's so GOOD
Ingrid de Alvarez
Hoy te encontré accidentalmente y esta canción me conmovió el corazón, aunque no la entendía (no hablo inglés) pero sentí la esperanza! Gracias!