There's a wacky corner of YouTube where people perform hit songs on the recorder

This particular woodwind instrument is best known as the plastic flute you're forced to learn how to play in American public schools when you're in third grade. It's not usually pleasing to the ear, especially not when being played by an eight-year-old.

But as it turns out, the recorder has found a second life online. The Daily Dot's Luke Winkie uncovered a YouTube subculture full of people who record covers of popular songs played on the recorder.

The results are fascinating and sometimes hilarious. As you'll see from these videos, recorders aren't just popular in third-grade classrooms, but all over the world.

Check out some of the best and weirdest recorder covers on YouTube.