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."
Loved
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
An innocence that you cannot get back
The pain is real
You can't erase it
Sooner or later you have to face it down
Down
You have to face it down
Do you keep your thoughts inside your head
Will you regret the things you never said you have a voice
You have to use it
You have a choice
Don't let them shut you down
Down
Don't let them shut you down
You are loved
Do you feel the ache inside your soul
You know you'll never make it on your own
Sorrow is too great for you to hold it
You're gonna break
Why don't you lay it down
Freedom comes in letting go
Open up the window to your heart
Freedom comes in letting go
Open up your heart
JJ Heller's song "Loved" is a poignant reminder that we are all loved despite our flaws, imperfections and past traumas. The lyrics speak of the dream of a home that was never had and an innocence that cannot be regained. The pain is real but sooner or later one has to confront it. The second verse talks about keeping one's thoughts and feelings bottled up, and the regret that comes with it. The song encourages the listener to use their voice and not let anyone shut them down. The third verse acknowledges the ache within the soul and the realization that one cannot make it on their own. The song encourages the listener to lay down their sorrow and let go of their pain. Freedom comes with letting go and opening up the heart to love and healing.
The song's message has resonated with many people, and JJ Heller has received numerous letters and emails from fans expressing how the song has helped them through difficult times. It has also been featured in TV shows and movies, including "Dance Moms," "A Cowgirl's Story," and "The Perfect Wave."
Line by Line Meaning
Do you dream of a home you never had
Do you long for a childhood that never existed?
An innocence that you cannot get back
Do you mourn a time in your life where you were pure and naive, which can never be regained?
The pain is real
Are you grappling with very tangible suffering?
You can't erase it
Is it impossible for you to erase this pain?
Sooner or later you have to face it down
Sooner or later, however, you must confront this pain head-on.
You have to face it down
You must be brave and stand up to it.
You are loved
You are valuable and cherished.
Do you keep your thoughts inside your head
Do you constantly suppress your thoughts and feelings?
Will you regret the things you never said you have a voice
Will you experience remorse in the future for not speaking up when you had the chance? You have the power to express your opinions.
You have to use it
You must utilize your voice.
You have a choice
You can make decisions that empower you.
Don't let them shut you down
Do not allow anyone to discourage or silence you.
Do you feel the ache inside your soul
Do you experience an agonizing feeling within your spirit?
You know you'll never make it on your own
You realize that you cannot navigate life without support.
Sorrow is too great for you to hold it
The distress is too overwhelming for you to bear alone.
You're gonna break
You'll crack under the weight of this anguish.
Why don't you lay it down
Why don't you relinquish it?
Freedom comes in letting go
You will find liberation in surrendering to this burden.
Open up the window to your heart
Unguard your emotions.
Open up your heart
Be receptive to affection and hope.
Contributed by Audrey M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Vanessa Salamanca
Do you dream of a home you never had,
An innocence that you cannot get back,
The pain is real, You can't erase it.
Sooner or later you have to face it down,
Down
You have to face it down.
You are loved.
Do you keep your thoughts inside your head
Will you regret the things you never said
You have a voice
You have to use it
You have a choice
Don't let them shut you down
Down
Don't let them shut you down
You are loved
Do you feel the ache inside your soul
You know you'll never make it on your own
Sorrow is too great for you to hold it
You're gonna break
Why don't you lay it down
Freedom comes in letting go
Open up the window to your heart
Freedom comes in letting go
Open up your heart!
Erwin Oliveira
I love all your songs and I am so happy to sing one at school!
Wesley Media Hub
Beautiful! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angel Mercer
💜💜💜💜💜
Miss O
Father in the name of Jesus, we touch and agree for those who feel like they mean nothing or like they have nothing to live for. Father i pray that your kingdom will come, and your will be done in every area in their lives, that they will come to no your great love and salvation. in Jesus name amen...
Vanessa Salamanca
Do you dream of a home you never had,
An innocence that you cannot get back,
The pain is real, You can't erase it.
Sooner or later you have to face it down,
Down
You have to face it down.
You are loved.
Do you keep your thoughts inside your head
Will you regret the things you never said
You have a voice
You have to use it
You have a choice
Don't let them shut you down
Down
Don't let them shut you down
You are loved
Do you feel the ache inside your soul
You know you'll never make it on your own
Sorrow is too great for you to hold it
You're gonna break
Why don't you lay it down
Freedom comes in letting go
Open up the window to your heart
Freedom comes in letting go
Open up your heart!
jnrinne
Sublime
Efren Bautista
Even if the world hates you, God loves you anyways.
#youareloved
Thank you ☆ jj heller☆
Mamakeevs
JJ.... I just found you online today and had never heard your music. What a ministry!!! You are so beautiful inside and out with a precious heart and voice! I am now a huge fan!!! Blessings to you, your family, and all you do to bring the love of Christ to those who know you!
justacommentism1
JJ seems to me to be a person who wants to make sure that the message of love really gets out there. I love her music and she seems down to earth.
Wittmeyer Music
Sent this to my mom.... we're trying to push through a divorce together and I feel like this song says what I never knew to say to encourage her 3