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 Would Love Me Too
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It doesn't matter
You don't hear a word I say
'Cause you don't listen when I speak
So I'll sing instead
La la la la la I love you
Ooh... I really do
I think you would love me too
You say you want to know me
I get the feeling that you're telling me a lie
'Cause every time I talk about emotion
You shake your pretty head and say goodbye
La la la la la I love you
Ooh... I really do
If you ever paid attention
I think you would love me
Why do I love you like I do
When you ignore me
Just like the sun ignores the moon
All you see is you
I love you
Ooh, sad but true
If you ever paid attention
I think you would love me too
I love you
Ooh... I really do
If you ever paid attention
I think you would love me too
Love me too
Love me too
The lyrics of JJ Heller's song "You Would Love Me Too" express the frustration of someone who is in love with a person who is self-centered and doesn't seem to care about their feelings. The singer points out that they could talk for hours, but it wouldn't matter because the other person doesn't listen. So, the singer decides to express their love through song, hoping that the other person might pay attention and reciprocate their feelings.
However, the singer is aware that the other person is not interested in connecting emotionally. Whenever the singer talks about their emotions, the other person shakes their head and walks away. The singer realizes that they love the other person, but they ignore them just like the sun ignores the moon. The singer longs for the other person's attention, believing that if they ever listened, they would also love them.
The song captures the bittersweet feeling of loving someone who doesn't feel the same way. Despite the other person's indifference, the singer continues to love them, hoping that someday they might notice them. Overall, the song is a beautiful and heart-wrenching portrayal of unrequited love.
Line by Line Meaning
We could talk for hours
I enjoy spending time with you and having conversations.
It doesn't matter
The topic of our conversation isn't important because I just want to connect with you.
You don't hear a word I say
You're physically present but emotionally absent in our conversations.
'Cause you don't listen when I speak
You have a habit of tuning me out when I'm talking.
So I'll sing instead
I'll express my feelings through music since it seems to capture your attention more than my words.
La la la la la I love you
I'm singing about my love for you.
Ooh... I really do
My love for you is genuine and true.
If you ever paid attention
If you actually took the time to focus on our relationship.
I think you would love me too
I believe that you have the capacity to love me back if you only showed interest in our connection.
You say you want to know me
You express a desire to get to know me on a deeper level.
I get the feeling that you're telling me a lie
Something about the way you say it makes me question if you're being truthful.
'Cause every time I talk about emotion
Whenever the conversation turns to feelings or emotions.
You shake your pretty head and say goodbye
You dismiss the topic or end the conversation without really engaging with me.
Why do I love you like I do
I'm struggling to understand why I have such strong feelings for someone who doesn't reciprocate them.
When you ignore me
When you disregard me or act indifferent to me.
Just like the sun ignores the moon
Using this metaphor to express how one-sided our relationship feels sometimes.
All you see is you
You're very self-centered and don't take my feelings or needs into consideration.
Ooh, sad but true
I recognize that this is a painful reality to accept.
Love me too
I want you to have feelings for me, not just be the object of my affection.
Contributed by Max R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Kharen Profeta
One of my favorites songs!!! Love it!!!
lily wanjiku
Love this song 💝
Figuty Carwalho
2016 N EVER! <3
Loise Mbago
2019
Morrissa Ice
Maddy Leah