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."
Silent Ones
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No one notices anyway
Tryin' hard not to show all the pain tucked away
All she needs is a voice to speak up
For the silent ones
Are you listening
Are you willing to share in their pain
'Cause you know that your Father has done the same
He has a habit of sitting all alone
Wears a menacing look on his face
Hoping that anger will cover the hurt little boy
Who is hiding inside where it's safe
For the silent ones
Are you listening
Are you willing to share in their pain
Will you give without getting a thing in return
'Cause you know that your Father has done
More for you than you could ever repay...
In JJ Heller's song "Silent Ones," the lyrics describe two individuals who are struggling with pain but are afraid to speak up about it. The first verse tells the story of someone who is "packing up and moving on again," feeling invisible and unnoticed by others. They attempt to hide their pain but long for someone to give them a voice and listen to them. The chorus then asks the listener if they are willing to be that voice for the "silent ones" and share in their pain selflessly because that's what God has done for us.
The second verse paints the picture of someone with a hardened exterior, sitting alone and hoping that their anger will mask the hurt little boy hiding inside. This verse reminds us that someone's outward appearance and behavior may not always reflect their true inner struggles, and it's up to us to be willing to listen and help those who may not be able to ask for it themselves. The chorus repeats the call to action, reminding us that God has given us everything and has done more for us than we could ever repay, so we should be willing to give to others without expecting anything in return.
Overall, the song is a powerful reminder to listen to and care for the "silent ones" in our lives, to be willing to give of ourselves selflessly, and to recognize that God has done the same for us.
Line by Line Meaning
Almost time to pack up and move on again
It's time to leave again after being in this place for a while.
No one notices anyway
No one seems to care about her leaving.
Tryin' hard not to show all the pain tucked away
She's trying her best to hide her pain from others.
All she needs is a voice to speak up
She just needs someone to give her an opportunity to share her feelings.
For the silent ones
This song is dedicated to people who feel like they don't have a voice.
Are you listening
Are you paying attention to their struggles?
Are you willing to share in their pain
Are you willing to listen to them and empathize with them?
Will you give without getting a thing in return
Are you willing to help them without expecting anything in return?
'Cause you know that your Father has done the same
Because we know that God has helped us without asking for anything in return.
He has a habit of sitting all alone
He often sits by himself.
Wears a menacing look on his face
He seems angry, but it's because he's hiding his true feelings.
Hoping that anger will cover the hurt little boy
He's using anger to hide the pain of his past.
Who is hiding inside where it's safe
The little boy inside him is hiding where it's safe.
More for you than you could ever repay...
God has done so much for us, and we could never repay Him for it.
Contributed by Isabelle B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
JessicaTV ✝ Youth
amazing!