JJ Heller - Only Time Will Tell Lyrics
Lyrics
There's not enough paper in this world
There's not enough ink to write it down
No melody is sweet enough
No metaphor is deep enough
To describe the treasure I have found
I keep trying to tell you how I feel
But I always come up short
How beautiful you are to me
But there aren't enough words
I keep trying to write a love song
But it's hard to say it well
Love is a story that only time will tell
It's one thing to say "for better or worse"
And another when you find out what that means
So much happens over time
Some dreams come true and some will die
How do you describe that kind of thing
I keep trying to tell you how I feel
But I always come up short
How beautiful you are to me
But there aren't enough words
I keep trying to write a love song
But it's hard to say it well
Love is a story that only time will tell
I've searched libraries
And dictionaries
Studied poets
Still all I know is
I keep trying to tell you how I feel
But I always come up short
How beautiful you are to me
But there aren't enough words
I keep trying to write a love song
But it's hard to say it well
Love is a story that only time will tell
Love is a story that only time will tell
Video
JJ Heller - Only Time Will Tell (Official Music Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
JJ Heller’s "Only Time Will Tell," released on March 3, 2023, is a profound lyrical exploration of the inadequacy of language to capture the depth of true, enduring love. It speaks to a universally felt human experience: the struggle to articulate something so vast and intricate that words simply fall short. The song's central message beautifully conveys that real love is not merely a spoken sentiment but a dynamic narrative, unfolding and deepening through the shared journey of life itself. It’s a testament to the idea that love’s true measure isn't found in eloquent declarations, but in the patient, persistent story written day by day.
The opening lines immediately set this contemplative tone, stating, "There's not enough paper in this world / There's not enough ink to write it down / No melody is sweet enough / No metaphor is deep enough / To describe the treasure I have found." This sentiment resonates deeply with the human attempt to grasp the divine. Just as we strive to describe the inexpressible treasure of a beloved, how much more do our finite words falter when attempting to articulate the infinite, unsearchable greatness of God? The Scriptures often remind us of God's incomprehensibility, with Psalm 145:3 declaring, "Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom." Similarly, Romans 11:33 marvels, "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!" The "treasure" spoken of in the song, while likely a human connection, can also beautifully reflect the "treasure hidden in a field" of the Kingdom of Heaven, as described in Matthew 13:44, a treasure so precious that all else pales in comparison, yet defies complete description.
The recurring refrain, "Love is a story that only time will tell," encapsulates the very essence of covenantal love. It moves beyond fleeting emotion or initial attraction, embracing the deliberate, long-term commitment that defines enduring relationships, both human and divine. This mirrors the biblical understanding of love, particularly in marriage, which is presented as a lifelong covenant, a daily choice, a story written through faithfulness. God’s steadfast love for His people, too, is a story revealed over millennia, characterized by patient pursuit, unwavering loyalty, and redemptive grace, as seen in Jeremiah 31:3. This kind of love "always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres," as 1 Corinthians 13:7 reminds us – all actions that are demonstrated and proven through the passage of time.
JJ Heller further unpacks this truth by acknowledging the chasm between theoretical commitment and lived experience: "It's one thing to say 'for better or worse' / And another when you find out what that means." This line speaks with raw honesty to the realities of life, where "some dreams come true and some will die." It’s in these moments of challenge, disappointment, and unforeseen difficulty that the true substance of love is forged and revealed. The Christian walk is similarly marked by seasons of joy and hardship, testing our commitment and developing our character. James 1:2-4 encourages us to "consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." This profound journey of discovering what "for better or worse" truly means in a human relationship echoes the profound journey of trusting God's faithfulness through all of life's seasons, knowing He has promised, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).
The song's bridge, where Heller confesses, "I've searched libraries / And dictionaries / Studied poets / Still all I know is," humbly reinforces the message that the deepest truths of love are experiential, not merely intellectual. Human wisdom and eloquent words, while valuable, ultimately bow before the profound, lived reality of deep connection. This resonates with the biblical truth that God’s peace "transcends all understanding" (Philippians 4:7) and that His love "surpasses knowledge" (Ephesians 3:19). "Only Time Will Tell" ultimately serves as an inspiring anthem for perseverance in relationships, encouraging us to commit to the unfolding narrative of love. It’s a powerful reminder that some of life's most beautiful and transformative truths—be they in our most cherished human bonds or our walk with God—are not found in perfectly crafted phrases, but in the patient, sometimes messy, yet always rich, story that only time can truly reveal.