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."
Love Letter
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can hardly remember a time
When I didn′t have you by my side
Feels like another life
Here's my love letter
For worse or better
You have my heart forever
Every day that I breathe
You remind me how sweet life can be
The future is easy, you see
It looks like you and me
Here′s my love letter
For worse or better
You have my heart forever
I'd thought I had my life arranged
And all was in its rightful place
You came along and now everything has changed
In all of the best ways
Here's my love letter
For worse or better
You have my heart forever
You have my heart forever
The lyrics to JJ Heller's song "Love Letter" express the deep and enduring love the singer has for their partner. The opening lines, "When I close my eyes, I can hardly remember a time when I didn't have you by my side," convey a sense of how integral the partner is to the singer's life. It suggests that the love they share has become so fundamental that it feels like it has always been a part of their existence.
The chorus, "Here's my love letter, for worse or better, you have my heart forever," underscores the commitment and devotion the singer has for their partner. It communicates a vow to love and support them through all the ups and downs, and to remain connected to their heart indefinitely. The repetition of the phrase "for worse or better" emphasizes the unwavering nature of their love, regardless of life's challenges or joys.
The second verse highlights the transformative impact the partner has had on the singer's life. The lyrics, "I thought I had my life arranged and all was in its rightful place, you came along and now everything has changed, in all of the best ways," demonstrate how the partner has brought a new perspective and sense of fulfillment to the singer's life. It suggests that their love has brought about positive shifts and improvements that the singer could not have anticipated.
Overall, "Love Letter" is a heartfelt declaration of love and commitment, celebrating a deep connection that has forever changed the singer's life for the better.
Line by Line Meaning
When I close my eyes
In moments of reflection and introspection
I can hardly remember a time
There are very few instances
When I didn’t have you by my side
When you were not there supporting me
Feels like another life
It seems like a distant memory
Here's my love letter
This is my heartfelt expression
For worse or better
Through the rough patches and the good times
You have my heart forever
You possess my unconditional love eternally
Every day that I breathe
With each passing moment of existence
You remind me how sweet life can be
You demonstrate the beauty and joy of living
The future is easy, you see
The path ahead is effortless and clear
It looks like you and me
It appears to be the two of us together
I'd thought I had my life arranged
I believed I had my life planned and organized
And all was in its rightful place
Everything was in its proper order
You came along and now everything has changed
Your arrival transformed everything
In all of the best ways
In the most positive and favorable manner
You have my heart forever
You possess my unconditional love eternally
You have my heart forever
You possess my unconditional love eternally
Writer(s): David Heller, Jennifer J Heller
Contributed by Connor S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Georgia Sim
I just discovered you and i am soooo glad i did! I love your music. I love your style! Your voice is so soothing and your songs so peaceful. I am just going through all of your songs right now and i absolutely love them. You've gained a new subscriber for sure. God bless you keep up the good work ❤❤
Christine Balluff
I love this song! My husband I just celebrated our 20th Anniversary today (Valentines Day), so this song became so appropriate! I so enjoy many of your songs, I enjoy you and your hubby's realness. My daughter and I also enjoy singing your songs when we are traveling to where ever in the car. Can't wait to get another CD from your collections sometime.<3
Melon Nelon
Your simplicity is what makes your music special JJ Heller. Love from Zimbabwe
RosePetals
Your voice is so sweet~~ This is perfect for Valentines Day! 💖 You inspire me to sing!
Sean & Kendra James
Perfect Valentine's Day song <3 Thank you , JJ
Yessika
I discovered this while I was looking for songs to be covered for our Wedding Anniversary this June..
I'm glad to found this beautiful song, I already recorded and uploaded my cover of this song on my youtube channel as my wedding anniversary surprise present for my husband 💖
❤❤ Thanks a lot ❤❤
Sarah Groover
So beautiful your music is so calming and peaceful it's so inspirational a lot of it makes me happy and sad cause it makes me miss certain people sometimes I love your music so much jj heller you truly are amazing I don't care what anyone says :)
Steve Reynolds
Beautiful song!
Mel Taylor
Piano and strings.....simple melody and lyrics....that resonate.
Joe Barnes
Your music, songs, and voice are perfect.