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."

You Tell Me So
JJ Heller Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

How high, how deep is your love for me
And you will never let me go
Light or darkness, doesn't matter
Because you will never let me go

And I will never cry alone
And You will always be my home
And You tell me so

You love everyone that I love
More than I ever could
Though my days are filled with trouble
Lord I know you're good

CHORUS

Little ones to you belong
When I am weak, you are strong

Overall Meaning

In the song You Tell Me So by JJ Heller, the lyrics explore the depth and unwavering nature of God's love for humanity. The opening lines of the song directly address God by asking how high and deep his love is for the singer. The following line, "and you will never let me go," reinforces the idea that God's love is eternal and unchanging. The chorus of the song centers on the comforting notion that the singer is never truly alone, as God is with her always. This is reinforced by the assertion that "You will always be my home." The final line, "and you tell me so," serves to reiterate the idea of God's constancy and reinforces the sense that the singer is loved and protected.

Line by Line Meaning

How high, how deep is your love for me
I wonder how much you love me with all your heart and soul

And you will never let me go
I believe that you will always be there for me, no matter what happens

Light or darkness, doesn't matter
No matter how good or bad things may seem, I know you'll always be by my side

Because you will never let me go
I trust that you will never abandon me or let me fall

And I will never cry alone
I know that you will always comfort me and wipe away my tears

And You will always be my home
I feel safe and protected when I am with you

And You tell me so
I'm grateful that you always remind me of your love for me

You love everyone that I love
I'm amazed at how much you care about my loved ones, even more than I do

More than I ever could
I could never love them as much as you do

Though my days are filled with trouble
Even when I'm going through hard times, I know that you are still good and faithful

Lord I know you're good
I have faith in your goodness and mercy