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."
Mary's Song
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The way that your laughter filled our home
But now you're a naked man on a splintered cross
What have we done to you oh Lord
Forgive me if I can't stand to watch you suffering
The weight of the world suspended from iron
Oh Jesus
My little boy
Forgive me if I am not ready to bury my son
Somehow I knew that this day would come
But I never wanted to say goodbye
No
matter how hard I try to understand
My heart is breaking at the sight of you on that tree
The lyrics of JJ Heller's song Mary's Song convey the heartbreak and grief of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she witnesses her son's crucifixion. In the first verse, Mary reminisces about the happy times she shared with Jesus, but her thoughts are abruptly interrupted by the harsh reality of his suffering on the cross. She questions why this is happening to her son, who she refers to as the "Lamb of God" and "my little boy". In the second verse, Mary admits that she cannot bear to watch her son suffer any longer and struggles with the idea of burying him. However, she also acknowledges that she had a sense that this day would come, but never wanted to say goodbye. The raw emotion conveyed in these lyrics, along with Heller's haunting melody, make this song a powerful testament to the pain of a mother watching her child endure unimaginable suffering.
Line by Line Meaning
I still remember all your favorite games
I cherish memories of the innocent, joyous times we shared.
The way that your laughter filled our home
I loved the sound of your contagious laughter which created a warm atmosphere in our home.
But now you're a naked man on a splintered cross
You have been humiliated and tortured beyond imagination, nailed to a cross without clothes or dignity.
What have we done to you oh Lord
How did we become so cruel and heartless that we could do this to you, our Lord and Savior?
Forgive me if I can't stand to watch you suffering
The pain you are experiencing is unbearable to witness, and I beg for forgiveness for my inability to bear the sight.
The weight of the world suspended from iron
The burden you carry for the entire world is excruciating, hanging from the nails that pierce your flesh.
Oh Jesus
I am crying out to you in desperation and agony, Jesus.
The Lamb of God
You are the ultimate sacrifice, the pure lamb representing the salvation of humanity.
My little boy
Though you are the Son of God, you are still my precious child, and my heart is broken watching you suffer.
Forgive me if I am not ready to bury my son
I cannot comprehend the pain of losing you, and the thought of your death is unthinkable.
Somehow I knew that this day would come
Somehow, in my heart, I knew that this would be the outcome of your mission on earth.
But I never wanted to say goodbye
My heart wants to hold onto you forever, and the thought of saying goodbye is unbearable.
Contributed by Owen G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Hunter Garlington
In a huge fan of JJ Heller. Her music is so clear to recognize as her own. Her lyrics are always amazing.
jeff harris
Beautiful video matches another awesome song from JJ She is just so annointed with pure love that pours out from her heart
CHASxWILSON
I began the day as one of "the curious folks" and now I am a fan! Thanks for posting and may God bless you.
Jordan Spieth
That was very good, Mary was probably the most brokenhearted because she knew from the start HE would one day die for us and for her, for HE loves us all. GOD bless and JESUS loves you all!!!
MaysAngel
Beautiful thank you Jj may God bless you
Whipcreamzombie
this is beautiful
Bruceifer January
amazing, why do I hail the beast
Peter W. Santa-Maria Sr.
I can't see her wings!