'King of Limbs': Radiohead Album Title Meaning Explained

Here it is, but what does it mean?

The British rock unit Radiohead released its much anticipated new album on today. While the 37 minutes of music on the new offering has already been getting high praise from critics, some fans are wondering about the title.

So far, two main references to "King of Limbs" have been turned up.

The first, like the band, comes from England. In the Savernake Forest in Wiltshire, one finds a massive, decaying oak tree named "the King of Limbs."

The second reference was turned up by the site feelnumb in Chapter 23 of the Koran (just don't tell Glenn Beck). Here's the passage in question:

The site of al-Khushoo is in the heart and heart is the king of the limbs, so if one intends to pray wholeheartedly the limbs will follow the heart as Allah says (in the Qur'an): 'And seek help in patience and Salaat and truly it is extremely heavy and hard, except for Khashi'oon.' The meaning is that the burden of prayer is heavy indeed; except for those who have Khushoo.

So what is al-Khushoo? According to a definition provided by the Islamic Bookstore, "Khushoo means calmness, concentration, humility, and bring [sic] present-minded while performing prayers."

Given that Radiohead performances and albums have sometimes been described as spiritual experiences, Surge Desk is willing to go along with either interpretation.

Follow Surge Desk on Twitter.