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."
Red Against Your Black
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you're not gonna change it this time.
I don't care what you did yesterday.
And I know what you'll do tomorrow.
When you run away.
I will bring you back.
Oh my love is the red against your black.
The dead will live again.
You will see those dry bones dancing.
In a death defying marvelous parade.
I'll make you strong.
I'll make you brave.
When you run away,
I will bring you back.
Oh my love for you is the red against your black.
When you run away.
I will bring you back.
Oh my love is the red against your black.
I ran a thousand miles for you.
Oh and you will break my heart.
And I will do it all again.
Because I couldn't stand to be apart.
When you run away.
I will bring you back.
Oh my love for you is the red against your black.
When you run away.
I will bring you back.
Oh my love is the red against your black.
Yes my love is the red against your black.
The song "Red Against Your Black" by JJ Heller is a love song filled with metaphors that talk about the power of love to overcome obstacles and bring people together. The singer in the song is adamant about their feelings towards their partner, stating that they have made up their mind, and no matter what happens, they will stand by their partner's side. The lines, "I don't care what you did yesterday, and I know what you'll do tomorrow," signify that the singer accepts their partner for who they are, flaws and all.
The chorus of the song is a powerful declaration of love. When the partner tries to run away, the singer promises to bring them back because their love is stronger than any obstacle. The singer compares their love to the color red, which is a symbol of passion and love, while their partner's "black" represents their struggles and challenges. The singer believes that their love is strong enough to overcome all of their partner's problems and bring them the happiness they deserve.
The song's message is a reminder that love is not always easy, but it can be enough to conquer every challenge that comes our way. It is a beautiful expression of love that many can relate to, and its powerful message can bring comfort to those who have gone through challenging times in their relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I've made up my mind.
I have reached a decision and there's no changing it.
And you're not gonna change it this time.
I won't be swayed or influenced by external factors.
I don't care what you did yesterday.
Your past actions hold no impact on my decision.
And I know what you'll do tomorrow.
I can anticipate your actions and plan accordingly.
When you run away.
In the event that you leave or depart.
I will bring you back.
I will go out of my way to retrieve you.
Oh my love is the red against your black.
My love is a stark contrast to your negativity or darkness.
The dead will live again.
A miraculous transformation will take place.
You will see those dry bones dancing.
You'll witness an incredible sight that defies explanation.
In a death defying marvelous parade.
The event that will occur is a spectacle and almost unbelievable.
I'll make you strong.
I'll impart qualities such as resilience and fortitude in you.
I'll make you brave.
I'll instill courage and fearlessness in you.
I ran a thousand miles for you.
I went to great lengths and distances for you.
Oh and you will break my heart.
I'll be deeply hurt by your actions or decisions.
And I will do it all again.
Despite the hurt, I'll still make the same efforts and sacrifices for you.
Because I couldn't stand to be apart.
I care for you deeply and don't want to be separated from you.
Yes my love is the red against your black.
My love is a beacon of hope and positivity in the midst of your negativity.
Contributed by Leah H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Carolina Aleman
gracias por subir las canciones!!! realmente lo esperaba hace tiempo, me encantan todas!
Alaina D
You've come out with so much heart-achingly beautiful music...but this is a forever favorite. I've always pictured Jesus as the big brother I'll never have, and I feel like this song fits that perspective so much.