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."
Make You Feel My Love
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love
When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I will never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong
I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling down the avenue
No, there's nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love
When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love
The lyrics to JJ Heller's song "Make You Feel My Love" convey a deep sense of love, comfort, and devotion. The song begins with the singer expressing their willingness to offer support during difficult times, even when the world seems against the person they care about. The line "I could offer you a warm embrace" symbolizes the singer's desire to provide emotional solace and security.
As the song progresses, it reveals the singer's commitment to being there during moments of vulnerability. They acknowledge the solitude and sadness that can come with the night, promising to be a constant source of comfort. The line "I could hold you for a million years" illustrates the singer's unwavering dedication to providing a safe space for the one they love.
The lyrics also emphasize the singer's unwavering faith in their love, even when the person they care about is unsure. They declare that they will never do any harm and express a strong conviction about their connection from the moment they met. This communicates a deep sense of trust and certainty about the relationship.
Overall, "Make You Feel My Love" portrays an unconditionally loving and supportive relationship, where the singer is willing to go to great lengths to bring comfort and make their love known.
Line by Line Meaning
When the rain is blowing in your face
Even when life is difficult and challenging, I will be there for you to offer comfort and support.
And the whole world is on your case
Even when it feels like everyone is against you, I will be by your side, standing up for you.
I could offer you a warm embrace
My love for you is so strong that I can provide you with a comforting and safe space.
To make you feel my love
My ultimate goal is to ensure that you truly understand and experience the depth of my love for you.
When the evening shadows and the stars appear
During the times when you feel lonely and overwhelmed, I will be there to bring light and companionship.
And there is no one there to dry your tears
Even when you're feeling sad and crying, I will stay by your side, providing comfort and wiping away your tears.
I could hold you for a million years
I am willing to stand by your side for as long as it takes, offering you warmth, support, and love.
To make you feel my love
My ultimate goal is to ensure that you truly understand and experience the depth of my love for you.
I know you haven't made your mind up yet
I understand that you may still be uncertain or undecided, but I want you to know that I will always be there for you.
But I will never do you wrong
You can trust that I will never intentionally hurt or betray you. I will always put your best interests first.
I've known it from the moment that we met
Since the day we first crossed paths, I have felt a strong connection and certainty that we are meant to be together.
No doubt in my mind where you belong
I am completely sure and confident that you are meant to be by my side, and I will cherish and love you endlessly.
I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue
I am willing to endure any hardship, sacrifice my own well-being, and suffer physical pain just to ensure your happiness and well-being.
I'd go crawling down the avenue
I would humble myself and do whatever it takes, even if it means begging or pleading, to show you the depth of my love and dedication.
No, there's nothing that I wouldn't do
There are no limits to what I am willing to do for you. I would go to great lengths to fulfill your needs and make you happy.
To make you feel my love
My ultimate goal is to ensure that you truly understand and experience the depth of my love for you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Unison Rights S.L.
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind