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."
When You Come Back
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jesus come and take me by the hand
I don't know how to trust that you will do the things you say
Spirit teach me how to understand
That your love can heal the wreckage of my soul
The beauty of your light shining in me
The day when I will finally be free
Oh the day when you come back for me
The lyrics to JJ Heller's song When You Come Back are an honest and vulnerable plea to Jesus to guide and teach the singer. The opening line, "I don't know how to follow you without losing my way" reveals the singer's struggle to understand and trust in God’s plan for her life. The singer longs for guidance and seeks for Jesus to take her by the hand and lead her in the right direction. The second line, "Jesus come and take me by the hand", is a powerful dependence on God, a recognition of His sovereignty in her life.
The third line, "I don't know how to trust that you will do the things you say", shows the singer's struggle with faith in God's promises. However, the following line is a plea for the Holy Spirit to teach the singer to understand and trust God more. The chorus of "That your love can heal the wreckage of my soul, The beauty of your light shining in me" is a beautiful reminder that God’s love can mend all brokenness and illuminate even the darkest places of her life. The final lines of the song, "I don't know when you'll take me home to paradise with you, The day when I will finally be free, Oh, the day when you come back for me," reveal the singer's longing for the day of Christ’s return, when she will finally be with Him in paradise. It is a beautiful and heartfelt song that speaks to the struggles of faith and hope in Jesus.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know how to follow you without losing my way
I'm lost on my own without guidance from You
Jesus come and take me by the hand
I need You to lead me in the right direction
I don't know how to trust that you will do the things you say
I struggle to trust that Your promises are true
Spirit teach me how to understand
I need Your help to comprehend the depth of Your love and wisdom
That your love can heal the wreckage of my soul
Your love is capable of fixing the broken parts of my being
The beauty of your light shining in me
Your light illuminates my life and makes it beautiful
I don't know when you'll take me home to paradise with you
I don't know when I'll be called to Heaven
The day when I will finally be free
The day when I'll be free from all struggles and pain
Oh the day when you come back for me
The day when You return to take me to eternal paradise with You
Contributed by Sydney E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
DontDream ItsOver
This song is so beautiful!
zezo ``Jk
i love your voic