Songfacts®:

• This is the third single released from The Powerless Rise, the fifth studio album by American metalcore band As I Lay Dying. Vocalist Tim Lambesis explained in a band update that the message of the song is, "to stand up for what you believe in."
• Boston-based directors Ian McFarland and Mike Pecci shot the music video, which focuses on a story that follows the song's meaning. It stars the band members as the main characters and was filmed POV style from the perspective of the drummer, Jordan Mancino.
  
  Lambesis told Noisecreep that the clip captured the exact spirit of aggression, defiance and oppression they were hoping for. "The album has a lot to do with standing up for the powerless and defending those oppressed by injustice," said the frontman. "As a result of knowing people in these circumstances, I find it nearly impossible to not do what I can to help themHowever, standing up for any belief not popularly held by society comes with repercussions. In wealthy 'free' society, the worst things we face is ending up outcast and alone. For a huge portion of the world, boldness can take a person as far as death. 'Anodyne Sea' reminds us that we all end up the same - eventually buried in the ground. So we might as well overcome our fear and stand up to live a life of meaning despite the consequence."