By Kierstin Casella (2006)

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."

Thank you
JJ Heller Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Look into my eyes
You will see
What you mean to me
Search your heart
Search your soul
When you find me there, you'll search no more

Don't tell me it's not worth trying for

Can't tell me it's not worth dying for
You know it's true
Everything I do
I do it for you

Look into your heart
You will find
There's nothing there to hide
Take me as I am
Take my life
I will give it all, I would sacrifice

Don't tell me it's not worth fighting for
I can't help it, there's nothing I want more
You know it's true
Everything I do
I do it for you

There's no love
Like your love
And no other
Could give more love
There's no where
Unless you're there
All the time
All the way

You can't tell me it's not worth trying for
I can't help it, there's nothing I want more
Yeah I will fight for you
I'd lie for you
Walk the wire for you
Yeah I'd die for you

You know it's true
Everything I do

I do it for you
I do it for you

Overall Meaning

The song "Thank You" by JJ Heller is a heartfelt expression of love and devotion. The first verse speaks directly to the person being addressed, inviting them to look into the singer's eyes and see the depth of feeling there. The second line emphasizes the importance of this relationship to the singer, and sets the tone for the rest of the song. The second verse then turns the focus to the listener, encouraging them to look into their own hearts and acknowledge their true feelings. The final section of the song repeats the message that everything the singer does, they do for the one they love.

The chorus is the most powerful section of the song, with its simple message of unwavering love and commitment. The repeated phrase "I do it for you" emphasizes the lengths to which the singer is willing to go in order to demonstrate their love. The final lines of the chorus are especially powerful, with their message of sacrifice and devotion.

Overall, "Thank You" is a beautiful tribute to the power of love and the depth of human connection. It speaks to the importance of being seen, heard, and understood by the people we care about, and encourages us to make sacrifices for the ones we love.

Line by Line Meaning

Look into my eyes
Please make the effort to see and understand the depth of my feelings for you.

You will see
If you truly look into my eyes with an open mind and heart, you will find truth in my feelings.

What you mean to me
You have immense value and significance in my life and heart.

Search your heart
Take the time to reflect on what you feel and care about in your own heart.

Search your soul
Reflect on the essence of who you are and what motivates and drives you.

When you find me there, you'll search no more
If you look within and find that I am an integral part of your heart and soul, you will no longer need to search for love.

Don't tell me it's not worth trying for
Please do not discount the importance and value of our relationship and the efforts we make to maintain it.

Can't tell me it's not worth dying for
I am willing to go to great lengths and make great sacrifices for our love and relationship.

You know it's true
You are aware and certain that my feelings and intentions are genuine and real.

Everything I do
All of my actions and efforts are driven by my love and commitment to you.

I do it for you
My love and devotion are focused on you and your happiness and well-being.

Look into your heart
Take a moment to connect with your own feelings and emotions, in order to understand their significance in our relationship.

You will find
If you allow yourself to be honest and introspective, you will come to understand the true depth of your own feelings.

There's nothing there to hide
There are no secrets or hidden feelings involved in our relationship; everything is open and honest.

Take me as I am
Accept me for who I am, with all my strengths and weaknesses.

Take my life
Trust me with your heart and soul; allow me to be a vital and integral part of your life.

I will give it all, I would sacrifice
I am willing to go to great lengths and make great sacrifices for our relationship, because of the love and devotion I feel for you.

Don't tell me it's not worth fighting for
Please do not give up on our relationship, even when it becomes difficult or challenging.

I can't help it, there's nothing I want more
My love and commitment to you are so strong that I cannot imagine my life without you in it.

There's no love
The love we share is uniquely special and irreplaceable.

Like your love
The love you have for me is among the most significant and powerful things in my life.

And no other
No other person or force in the world could ever replace or diminish the love we share.

Could give more love
Our love is boundless and infinite, and no one could ever give us more love than we already share.

There's no where
Without you, no place in the world feels complete or fulfilling.

Unless you're there
When you are with me, I feel complete and whole, regardless of where we may be.

All the time
My love and devotion to you are constant and unwavering, regardless of the circumstances.

All the way
I am willing to go to great lengths and work hard to maintain a strong and healthy relationship with you.

I'd lie for you
I am willing to make personal sacrifices or put myself in uncomfortable situations to protect and support you.

Walk the wire for you
I am willing to undertake great risks and take on great challenges for the sake of our relationship.

Yeah I'd die for you
I am willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for you, if that is what is required to demonstrate my love and commitment.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Fintage House Publishing
Written by: BRYAN ADAMS, JOHN LANGE, MICHAEL KAMEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS