I blame our school system

Overheard at karaoke, as two youngish guys onstage embarked on a spirited if a bit laboured rendition of "Whiskey in the Jar," prompting rather curious commentary from two other youngish guys at the next table:

"I don't know it either, but you're right, it totally has an East Coast sound."

I suppose I can console myself in the knowledge it at least wasn't "Hey, isn't this a Metallica cover?"