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."

Why Is It Colder
JJ Heller Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

What am I to do with you
Have I done enough
I’ve got nothing left to give
If this is how you want to live, I guess I’ll wait outside

Why is it colder when you’re here
And why do I cry so many tears when all I want is your love

And if you ever want to know about the things I love
All you have to do is ask
You’ve never done that in the past, but maybe one day

CHORUS

And love is a river it flows down to the people
Then goes up to the clouds to rain again

And love is a danger it can make you let your guard down
But if you are never broken you will never be made whole

Overall Meaning

In the opening lines of JJ Heller's song "Why Is It Colder," the singer is expressing their confusion and frustration towards someone in their life. They are questioning their own actions and wondering if they have done enough for this person. The lyrics suggest that the singer feels drained and depleted, with nothing left to give. There is a sense of resignation as they contemplate waiting outside, possibly indicating a sense of being shut out or pushed away by the other person.

The following lines delve into the paradoxical nature of the relationship, as the singer wonders why they feel colder when the other person is present. This could be metaphorical, hinting at emotional distance or a lack of warmth in the connection. The mention of crying many tears despite simply seeking love points to a deep yearning and vulnerability within the singer. It reflects their longing for affection and connection, which seems to be unfulfilled in this dynamic.

The lyrics then shift to a plea for communication and understanding. The singer expresses a desire for the other person to show genuine interest in them by asking about the things they love. This indicates a longing for reciprocity and mutual engagement in the relationship, suggesting a sense of imbalance or neglect that has been present in the past. Despite this, there is a glimmer of hope as the singer holds on to the possibility that one day things might change for the better.

The chorus introduces poignant reflections on love as a powerful force that moves between individuals and influences the cycle of emotions. The imagery of love as a river flowing down to people and then rising up to the clouds to rain again illustrates the cyclical and transformative nature of love. It can bring joy and vulnerability, as indicated by the danger of letting one's guard down. The closing lines emphasize the transformative potential of being broken or vulnerable in love, suggesting that experiencing hardship or heartbreak is integral to the process of becoming whole. It conveys a profound insight into the complexities and challenges of love and relationships.

Line by Line Meaning

What am I to do with you
How can I best support you

Have I done enough
Have I given all I can

I’ve got nothing left to give
I feel depleted

If this is how you want to live, I guess I’ll wait outside
If you don't want my help, I'll give you space

Why is it colder when you’re here
Why do I feel distant when you're around

And why do I cry so many tears when all I want is your love
Why am I feeling emotional despite my desire for connection

And if you ever want to know about the things I love
If you're curious about my interests

All you have to do is ask
Just inquire

You’ve never done that in the past, but maybe one day
You haven't shown interest before, but there's hope for the future

And love is a river it flows down to the people
Love is a force that connects us

Then goes up to the clouds to rain again
It replenishes and nourishes