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."
Stay
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
After too many stings
When you forget about grace
The world is a lonely place
Stay with me
You'll be surprised
There's a world of color
Open your eyes
Let in the light
You'll see when you stay with me
When you can't hear a thing
There are no words to sing
You keep your heart where it's safe
But the world is a silent place
Stay with me
You'll be surprised
There's a world of color
Beyond black and white
Open your eyes
Let in the light
You'll see when you stay with me
Hold on
Be strong
Believe in love
Stay with me
You'll be surprised
There's a world of color
Beyond black and white
Open your eyes
Let in the light
You'll see when you stay with me
The lyrics of JJ Heller's song "Stay" invite someone to remain close during a difficult and lonely time. The message is a simple one: staying with the singer will lead to a discovery of hope, joy, and beauty in the world around them. The first stanza paints a picture of someone struggling with the weight of their life and the burdens they carry. Their continued exposure to "stings" has made them unable to feel anything at all, and they have forgotten what it means to experience grace. As a result, the world seems like a "lonely place."
However, the singer has a solution: "Stay with me." They promise that if the listener stays, they will be surprised to learn that there is "a world of color beyond black and white." The second stanza takes a similar tone. The listener is struggling to find their voice and is keeping their heart "where it's safe." However, the world seems "silent." Once again, the solution is to stay with the singer.
The song's bridge provides a note of encouragement: "Hold on, be strong, believe in love." These words are both a call for the listener to persevere and a reminder that there is goodness in the world worth fighting for. The final repetition of the chorus reinforces the message of hope, urging the listener to open their eyes and let the light in.
Overall, Heller's song is a sweet and comforting invitation to journey towards healing and hope with someone by your side.
Line by Line Meaning
When you can't feel a thing
When you feel numb and disconnected from your emotions
After too many stings
After experiencing too much pain and disappointment
When you forget about grace
When you lose sight of forgiveness and second chances
The world is a lonely place
Life feels isolating and empty without connection and hope
Stay with me
Don't give up or run away despite how hopeless it may feel
You'll be surprised
There is more to life than what you are experiencing now
There's a world of color
Life has rich and beautiful experiences waiting to be discovered
Beyond black and white
Not everything in life is straightforward and simple
Open your eyes
Be receptive and aware of your surroundings
Let in the light
Allow positivity and hope to fill your heart
You'll see when you stay with me
You will understand and appreciate the value of staying connected and hopeful
When you can't hear a thing
When you feel lost and without direction or guidance
There are no words to sing
You don't have the words to express how you feel
You keep your heart where it's safe
You shield yourself from vulnerability and risk
But the world is a silent place
Life feels empty and lonely without connection and communication
Hold on
Don't give up or let go
Be strong
Show resilience and perseverance
Believe in love
Have faith in the power of connection and compassion
Contributed by Adeline N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Lieanne Idjao
Hi Miss JJ! Hope this reaches you. I am so in love with this song, not only because of the very lovely melody and the beautiful words, but because of the amazing truth in the message of this song. First listened to it at a time when some of my loved ones were turning their backs on God. This song encouraged me a lot. It is a reminder of how God is still sovereign and powerful, and how He makes all thing work together for good. Thank you, Miss JJ, for sharing your music to the world. More people should hear your music! May God's favor and blessing be always upon you and your family!