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."
Save Me
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Am I really living
Or am I just existing
Hiding away
Danger
The world is full of danger
But if I never try to go outside
Come and save me
You're the only source of all the peace I need
Come and save me
Come and save me
You tell me life will not be pain free
What will be will always be in your control
Darkness is light to you
And all you ask me to do
Is trust what you say is true
You are stronger
Than any terrible possible scenario today
Come and save me
You're the only source of all the peace I need
Come and save me
Come and save me
Save me, save me... Oh
Save me, save me... Oh
You are stronger
Than any terrible possible scenario today
Come and save me
You're the only source of all the peace I need so desperately
Come and save me
Come and save me
Come and save me
The lyrics to JJ Heller's "Save Me" express themes of fear, anxiety, and the desire for salvation. Heller questions whether she is truly living or just existing, highlighting the fear and danger that exists in the world. She acknowledges that life will never be pain-free but places her trust in a higher power to help guide her through it all.
Heller's plea for salvation is a testament to the struggle that many people face in their daily lives. She recognizes that she cannot overcome her fears and anxieties on her own and needs help to find peace. The repetition of the chorus, "Come and save me," emphasizes the urgency and importance of this plea.
Moreover, the lyrics suggest that faith and trust in a higher power can bring about the peace and salvation Heller seeks. She acknowledges that the darkness can be overwhelming but ultimately trusts in a higher power to guide her through difficult times.
Overall, "Save Me" speaks to the universal desire for guidance, strength, and peace in times of trouble. The song reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that it is okay to seek help when we need it.
Line by Line Meaning
Living
Questioning if mere existence is really living.
Am I really living
Doubting the authenticity of one's own life.
Or am I just existing
Wondering if life is no more than existing.
Hiding away
Retreating from the world, avoiding risks and challenges.
Danger
Acknowledging the presence of danger in the world.
The world is full of danger
Recognizing the overwhelming danger outside in the world.
But if I never try to go outside
Admitting to a fear of facing challenges or risks.
My heart will waste away
Suggesting that a life lived in fear is not truly living.
Come and save me
Requesting divine help and intervention.
You're the only source of all the peace I need
Believing that only a higher power can provide peace and comfort.
You tell me life will not be pain free
Acknowledging the inevitability of suffering in human life.
What will be will always be in your control
Understanding that a higher power is ultimately in control of one's life.
Darkness is light to you
Believing that a higher power can bring light to even the darkest moments.
And all you ask me to do
Perceiving a higher power's call to trust and have faith.
Is trust what you say is true
Finding hope and reassurance in a higher power's words.
You are stronger
Believing in the immense power and strength of a higher power.
Than any terrible possible scenario today
Having faith that a higher power can provide security and safety in any situation.
You're the only source of all the peace I need so desperately
Recognizing the essential nature of divine peace in life.
Save me
Pleading for divine help and salvation.
Save me, save me... Oh
Reiterating the appeal for divine assistance.
Come and save me
Echoing the earlier request for divine intervention.
Come and save me
Reinforcing the plea for divine help.
Come and save me
Requesting divine help and intervention for a third time.
Contributed by Cooper W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Vivianna Varela
One of my favorite songs...
Liv S
I love the song it’s my favorite
ps wow
Love this song ❤❤❤
Ilidio Jorge
Marravilhosas são tuas canções. São mais do que palavras