To Be a Child Again

JJ Heller's song "To Be a Child Again" is a heartfelt ode to the innocence, freedom, and unfiltered joy of childhood. The lyrics express a deep longing to return to a time when life was simpler and more magical. Heller's gentle, soothing voice and the song's melodic arrangement enhance the nostalgic and wistful tone, making listeners reflect on their own childhood experiences.

The song opens with a desire to see strangers as potential friends and to converse with God as if He were a close companion. This highlights the pure, unguarded nature of children, who approach the world with open hearts and minds. The lyrics also emphasize the spontaneous joy of singing, dancing, and loving without self-consciousness, capturing the essence of a child's uninhibited spirit.

Heller continues by expressing a wish to view scars as badges of survival and to wake up each day with a sense of happiness and gratitude. This perspective is often lost in adulthood, where scars can symbolize pain and mornings can be filled with stress. The song suggests that embracing a childlike mindset can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life. The repeated refrain, "To be a child again," serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and simplicity that can be found in seeing the world through a child's eyes.

The song also touches on the chaotic nature of the world and the brevity of life, yet it underscores the inherent beauty in both. Heller reminds us that while growing up often means forgetting how to love freely and see magic in everything, every child inherently knows these truths. The song is a call to reconnect with that inner child, to feel comfortable in our own skin, and to find wonder in the everyday.