Tom Waits performs a sweet new farewell song for Letterman

Tom Waits sang a new song for David Letterman — (Image credit: Late Show)

If all it took to get Tom Waits to perform an original song for me was retirement, I might consider quitting early. But David Letterman is capping a long, illustrious career on late-night TV, so Waits' new song, "Take One Last Look," made more sense in the Ed Sullivan Theater that Letterman has called home for 22 years. "This is for you, Dave," Waits said before launching into the new song. Fittingly, the song taps into Waits' 1980s renaissance, the Swordfishtrombones-Rain Dogs era when Letterman was also hitting his stride. Watch below, and if you're wondering why Letterman is handcuffed to George Clooney, you can find out here. —Peter Weber

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.