It’s a springtime ritual as familiar as discovering another rabbit chewing on your begonias.

At the Lancer or Panther or Warrior ball field, it’s the prelude to the kiss. What I’m describing is the warm-up when the rhythm of the game plunks its first chords.

Love May when the grass finally turns green and the brick dust is fresh. A truly yummy time of year to catch a local softball or baseball game, but get there early to check out the throwing, catching, a little batting practice and a last-minute check on the uni (uniform).

What’s different today is the soundtrack. You won’t be hearing the birdies tweet or a little “hey batter batter batter.”

My chick bad, my chick hood

My chick do stuff that yo’ chick wish she could.

If you’re wondering what these lyrics have to do with the great American pastime . . . well, so am I. Somehow, I don’t associate “My Chick Bad” with baseball or softball, but our kids do. Because if you check out your local teams warming up to a few tunes before their games, you won’t be hearing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” or even “We Will Rock You.” No rocking, just ka boom, ka boom, ka boom, ka boom. . . .

Be my little freak. . . . Aye girl yeah you da business, so what da business

Don’t be shy, I’m just talkin to you girl.

I guess it’s called hip-hop. Of the four-minute lovely and lyrical “Little Freak,” those are the only song lyrics I can print. The others are so blue they’ll sear the wallpaper off your pantry. Get your free facial peels at the ball park.

Does it matter? Do the kids really listen to the lyrics, or is it the driving beat that they love? I keep expecting Billy Martin to appear and kick brick dust all over the sound system.

Want another little taste?

Baby you the whole package, plus you pay your taxes

Plus you keep it real while them others stay plastic

You’re my wonder woman call me Mr. Fantastic.

Again, this is the only part I could print.

So I guess I sound like an old broad. Where’s Cole Porter when you need him? Or even John Lennon?

Do you remember when Dick Whittington did “Clean Thoughts on a Dirty Wall?”

Well, it’s now Dirty Thoughts on a Clean Wall, but does it matter?

Pink Floyd wasn’t so blue: All you touch and all you see, Is all your life will ever be.

And the Beatles? Though I know I’ll never lose affection

For people and things that went before

I know I’ll often stop and think about them

In my life, I love you more.

Despite the sounds, despite the language, we’ll watch our kids bouncin’ to the beat because:

Every single day and every word you say, every game you play, every night you stay

I’ll be watchin’ you.

You can reach Elizabeth Kirby at kirby@theacorn.com or visit her blog at http://open.salon.com/ blog/elizabethkirby.