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."
Who you are
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She's still waiting at forty-one years old
Her life feels like a tragedy
And it's driving her down to her knees
She says i don't know
I don't know what you're doing
But i know who you are
The doctor said his daughter was never coming home
Sometimes life doesn't make any sense
Full of war and pain and accidents
He is praying i don't know
I don't know what you're doing
But i know who you are
You have a father's heart
And a love that's wild
And you know what is like to lose
Yeah you know what is like
What it's like to lose a child
Sometimes i don't know
I don't know what you're doing
I don't know, i don't know
Sometimes i don't know
I don't know what you're doing
But i know who you are
The song "Who You Are" by JJ Heller tells the story of two individuals, both facing difficult circumstances that are beyond their control. The first verse speaks of a woman who has been unable to have a baby, and is now forty-one years old. The situation feels like a tragedy to her, and it is causing her to lose faith. The second verse talks about a man who receives a phone call from the doctor, informing him that his daughter will never come home. This news shakes him to the core and he is left wondering why God would allow such a thing to happen.
In both situations, the individuals are struggling to understand God's plan and why He would allow such pain and suffering. The chorus speaks about not knowing what God is doing, but having faith in who He is. The bridge reminds us that God is a father, and He knows what it's like to lose a child. Although we may not understand His plan, we can trust His love and character.
Overall, the song is a reminder that life can be difficult and confusing, but we can have faith in who God is, even when we don't understand what He's doing.
Line by Line Meaning
All she wanted was a baby to hold
She desired a child to love and care for
She's still waiting at forty-one years old
Despite her age, she is still longing for a child and has not given up hope
Her life feels like a tragedy
She sees her life as a sad story, full of misfortune and difficulty
And it's driving her down to her knees
The pain and despair are forcing her to pray and seek comfort from a higher power
She says i don't know
She feels uncertain and confused about her situation
I don't know what you're doing
She doesn't understand the plan or purpose of God
But i know who you are
Despite her lack of understanding, she's confident in her faith and trust in God's character
It was after midnight when he answered the phone
The call with bad news happened late at night
The doctor said his daughter was never coming home
The man learned that he lost his child and she won't be returning
Sometimes life doesn't make any sense
Some events in life seem unfair, unjust or meaningless
Full of war and pain and accidents
Life includes troubles, suffering, and tragedies
He is praying i don't know
The man admits that he doesn't have all the answers
You have a father's heart
God cares for his children with love, compassion, and understanding
And a love that's wild
God's love knows no bounds, limits or conditions
And you know what it's like to lose
God understands the pain, grief, and sorrow of losing someone or something important
Sometimes i don't know
The artist admits that there are times when she's uncertain or doubtful
I don't know what you're doing
She doesn't have all the answers or insights about God's plans
But i know who you are
Despite her doubts and questions, she trusts in God's nature and character
Contributed by Dylan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Lastiur sihombing
Who You are
All she wanted was a baby to hold
She's still waiting at forty-one years old
Her life feels like a tragedy
And it's driving her down to her knees
She says i don't know
I don't know what you're doing
But i know who you are
It was after midnight when he answered the phone
The doctor said his daughter was never coming home
Sometimes life doesn't make any sense
Full of war and pain and accidents
He is praying i don't know
I don't know what you're doing
But i know who you are
You have a father's heart
And a love that's wild
And you know what is like to lose
Yeah you know what is like
What it's like to lose a child
Sometimes i don't know
I don't know what you're doing
I don't know, i don't know
Sometimes i don't know
I don't know what you're doing
But i know who you are
Lisa Papouchado
This song is so beautiful. In June my 2 yr old daughter drowned at a friend's house. Even with the horror we prayed & trusted God, and He brought life back into her with no brain or lung damage though she had been dead for 17mins. When my husband and I first heard this song, we cried on the verse where the man loses his daughter because it really hit home, even though Winter is alive now, she was dead. At the time we didn't know why it happened, but we trusted God because we knew who He was.
Retha Mori
Lisa Smith I so sorry, but just keep trusting in God
AJ M
I'm so happy to read that she's fine ❤️
mittens alright
I love you so much! Thank you for this beautiful testimony, JESUS IS SO GOOD
Tracy Cordero
I am so sorry 😢
Thank you for sharing your story HE will always be our Abba the father ❤️❤️
Phoenix 🔥
God's not finished with her yet this may have been a test of trust as it was for Abraham. I am so proud of you all and will be praying for you all stay strong you are loved 🙏✝
Stephanie Belgard
I can relate to this song, my 19 yr. old daughter was murdered and her murder remains unsolved 8 years later. it is like a slow-eating cancer that stays and never goes away. I never got a grandbaby from her. I never saw her walk down the aisle to get married. It literally "HURTS" my heart...I just put ALL my trust in the LORD to help me make it through another day!
Jennifer
I am praying for you tonight ♥️ I cannot imagine. I love this song too, especially when life doesn't make sense.
Maelani Santos
Praying 🙏 for you and your daughter
Efren Bautista
i have seen this music video like about 500 times, i just love the music video, the lyrics and jj heller voice it just so sweet like honey:) i think this is the best single for 2013 congratulations jj heller for your beatiful song ''who you are''