Tom Waits shares new song on his final Letterman appearance

The distinct, grizzled vocals remain intact, but this is among the most pensive things we've seen from the legendary artist. Initially, backed only by the gentle flicker of acoustic guitar, country-western accordion and a low rumbling bass, it's a solid-granite tearjerker. As the song unfolds, brass slowly creeps in as if a solemn military hymn.

David Letterman is hanging up his mic after years of hosting, and has been inviting his favourite musical guests back to perform. Waits originally performed in 1983.

Watch Waits perform "Take One Last Look" below.