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."
Tonight
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You have put the stars to shame
I have lost my senses, and you're the one to blame
Bluer than the sky above, closer than my skin
Tonight our life begins
Now we are dancing
We spin like falling leaves
I never want to leave
As we move across the floor it's starting to sink in
Tonight our life begins
You are mine beloved
And I am yours to keep
Take my heart forever
You have captured me
God is singing over us, we hear it in the wind
Tonight our life begins
These lyrics convey the overwhelming feelings of love in a relationship. The singer describes her lover as "lovely," even more so than the stars in the sky. She has lost her senses in her love for this person and identifies them as the cause of her feelings. The second stanza describes the couple dancing, like falling leaves, and the singer never wanting to leave her lover's embrace. As they dance and move together, the realization finally sets in that their life together, as a couple, is just beginning.
The third stanza confirms the commitment between the two lovers, both belonging to one another. The singer offers her heart to her lover forever and identifies feeling captured by this love. The final line references divine intervention and introduces the theme of the couple's love being blessed by a higher power, as God is "singing over us." These lyrics beautifully capture the essence of love, from the initial overwhelming feelings to the ultimate commitment, while also adding a touch of spirituality.
Line by Line Meaning
Love, you are lovely
I admire you and your beauty
You have put the stars to shame
Your beauty has outshone everything, even the stars
I have lost my senses, and you're the one to blame
You have overwhelmed me with emotions and I cannot think straight
Bluer than the sky above, closer than my skin
Your love is as vast as the sky and as intimate as my own skin
Tonight our life begins
Tonight is the start of our shared journey in life
Now we are dancing
We are celebrating this new beginning with a dance
We spin like falling leaves
We are carefree as we twirl around like leaves falling from a tree
Hold me tighter darling
Please hold me close and never let me go
I never want to leave
I want to stay in this moment forever
As we move across the floor it's starting to sink in
As we dance, I am beginning to realize the depth and meaning of our new life together
You are mine beloved
I claim you as my own, my beloved
And I am yours to keep
I am dedicated to you and will love and support you always
Take my heart forever
I entrust you with my heart for all eternity
You have captured me
Your love has captured me and I am yours forevermore
God is singing over us, we hear it in the wind
We feel the presence and blessings of God as we begin this new life together
Tonight our life begins
This new chapter of our life begins here and now, tonight
Contributed by Addison H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@keptwomanofGod
I sang this song to my husband on our wedding day. 😃
@andrewmccown4120
I wish we had this song for our first dance.
@hannahkissinger3675
One of the most beautiful songs ever!!!
@kieransartor5059
I wish I had found this before I got married! Love this song so much.
@chiaracacciatore6661
Dolcissima...
@alainad6364
I love this song so, so much. If I ever get married, I want this played at my wedding
@maddywooldridge6979
this would be the best wedding song
@j00range4
I know right!
@maggie-clarepruitt4584
A family friend of mine actually played this at her wedding!
@mrssarahnicholson
It was our first dance at our wedding and is still "our song!" 😁