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."
Olivianna
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't know if mine will ever stop bleeding
Eleven minutes to breathe you in
I felt the darkness
When I knew I couldn't hold you again
When I knew I couldn't hold you again
Olivianna, you're in the arms of God
Life is short, but it is wide
I know it's true
You've touched more souls
Than most people ever do
Olivianna, you're in the arms of God
Just a moment there is better than here
You could not stay with us
We will come to you
You could not stay with us, ooh
You're going home, Love, where you belong
Oh my baby girl, I'll see you soon
Olivianna, you're in the arms of God
Just a moment there is better than
Olivianna, you're in the arms of God
Just a moment there is better than here
The lyrics of JJ Heller's song "Olivianna" tell the story of a mother who has lost her baby girl. The words express a deep sense of grief and longing for the child who has left too soon. The line "Hearts broke when your heart stopped beating" sets the tone for the rest of the song. The mother is trying to come to terms with the loss, but it is a difficult process. She describes her pain as never-ending, wondering if her bleeding heart will ever find peace.
The chorus provides some solace, as the mother acknowledges that her daughter is now with God. She is in a better place, even though the mother herself is still struggling. The line "You've touched more souls than most people ever do" is a poignant reminder that even though Olivia's life was short, she had a profound impact on the world around her. The final verse is a bittersweet farewell- the mother knows she will one day be reunited with her daughter, but for now, she must let her go.
Overall, the song is a beautiful tribute to a life that was too brief. It captures the raw emotion of grief with honesty and sensitivity, while also offering hope for the future.
Line by Line Meaning
Hearts broke when your heart stopped beating
Our hearts were shattered when you passed away
I don't know if mine will ever stop bleeding
I don't know if I will ever heal from this loss
Eleven minutes to breathe you in
We only had a short time with you, but we cherished every moment
I felt the darkness
I felt profound sadness and despair
When I knew I couldn't hold you again
When I realized that we wouldn't be able to be together again
Olivianna, you're in the arms of God
You are in a better place with God now, free from pain and suffering
Just a moment there is better than here
Being with God, even for a moment, is better than being here on earth
Life is short, but it is wide
Life is fleeting, but it is full of opportunities and experiences
I know it's true
I firmly believe this
You've touched more souls
You have impacted more people's lives
Than most people ever do
Than most people are able to in their lifetime
You could not stay with us
You had to leave us behind
We will come to you
We will eventually join you in the afterlife
You're going home, Love, where you belong
You are going back to God, where you truly belong
Oh my baby girl, I'll see you soon
I will be reunited with you again someday, my sweet daughter
Lyrics © AMPLIFIED ADMINISTRATION
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Molly K Kelchen
I lost my baby girl at six days old. Thank you for this song.
Mrs. E Lentz
Molly K Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry for your loss!! Your precious angel is in the arms of God, and I pray knowing this brings you peace. God doesn't give us anything we cannot handle... without His help!! He knew you to be strong enough to handle this. There's a silver lining and lesson in everything, just sometimes it's harder to find what that is than other times. Sending you prayers of healing, love, and light :) xx
Ana
An exciting story about how loyal God is. ❤
Kayla Carradi
Olivianna is my name