"Beautiful Son" is a song by American alternative rock band Hole, co-written by frontwoman Courtney Love, lead guitarist Eric Erlandson, and drummer Patty Schemel.

The assigned producer was Jack Endino, who had recorded Nirvana's debut album Bleach (1989) at the same studio four years prior.

Contrary to popular belief, temporary bassist Leslie Hardy did not play bass at this session, nor was she even in the band at this time.

Love was noted as being civil towards Endino, however, constantly shouting at other band members, such as one instance when Eric Erlandson pointed out that the riff to "Beautiful Son" sounded "exactly" like Nirvana's hit, "Smells Like Teen Spirit".

"[5] Due to Love's intentions to compose a song with "simple melodies," her initial guitar riff was developed further by Erlandson and Patty Schemel.

This alternating quiet-loud dynamic is typical of grunge music,[6] such as Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit," which Erlandson drew comparisons to during the recording sessions.

[7] The single's front cover complements this as it features a photograph of a young Cobain, at the age of around 7, surrounded by gift bows designed by Love.

[11] Recorded at Teddington Studios in London, this performance featured new bassist Kristen Pfaff and most notably, the programme's host, Mark Lamarr, incorrectly introduced the song as "Brother Son.

According to Love's friend and Nirvana biographer, Everett True, a music video for "Beautiful Son" was recorded before Kristen Pfaff was recruited as the band's bassist.

Describing the video, True noted in NIRVANA: The True Story that "Kurt was featured as a young child on the cover, and played bass wearing one of Courtney's dresses in the video (filmed before Kristen joined the band) - thus confirming the lyric, "You look good in my dress / My beautiful son".