Featuring American guitarist Carlos Santana, "To Zion" is an acoustic Spanish guitar-driven hip hop and gospel track.

The lyricism elicited unanimous acclaim from music critics upon the release of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, with numerous journalists accentuating the track as a focal point on the album.

Hill performed "To Zion" live with Santana at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards (1999), and has included it on set lists for all of her concert tours.

In retrospective commentaries, the critics have acknowledged the influence "To Zion" has had on artistry of numerous rappers who achieved mainstream prominence decades after the song's release, as well as the impact its lyrical message of encouragement to pursue motherhood simultaneously with a career has had on various female celebrities.

From that time – Oye Como Va, Black Magic Woman – all those songs just really touched me, and gave me an appreciation for guitar and for the Latin African rhythms.

[15] As the song contains sampled elements from "And the Feeling's Good" by José Feliciano, the latter's songwriters Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox are credited as composers of "To Zion".

[19] Eric Weisbard from Spin described the song's sound as "Revolutionary War fife roll convert[ing] into hip-hop".

[21] As Hill serenades her son, she discusses her unplanned pregnancy and the decision not to terminate it, despite the profuse pressure to do so in favor of her burgeoning career.

[d] While she initially conveys insecurity and vulnerability over the contemplation,[25] she ultimately declares "now the joy of my world is in Zion",[20] and thanks God for "a gift so great".

[23] John Mulvey from NME listed the track among the highlights of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, remarking that "emotional heroism prevails over poor-superstar whingeing" in its lyrics.

[24] Writing for Rolling Stone, American writer and journalist Touré also labeled it one of the album's standout tracks, describing it as an "epic, adoring tribute to her young son" and commending Santana's guitar performance.

[21] Nick Butler from Sputnikmusic stated the track could "easily descend into cheesy power-ballad territory" but nonetheless has "grit, imagination, and power".

[31] David Opie from Highsnobiety praised "To Zion", writing: "It's the way that Lauryn effortlessly combines the confessional with the celebratory here which truly speaks to her strength, teaching others to live their truth without letting subsequent struggles consume them.

[37][e] Dean Van Nguyen from The Irish Times retrospectively hailed Hill's song choice for the ceremony as "brave", adding: "With legendary axe-man Carlos Santana caressing his acoustic guitar by her side, Hill delivered a cutting four-minute sermon on the pressures facing young women at pop music's top end.

"[25] In her essay for The Westside Gazette, Carma Henry stated the song "beautifully paint[ed] the portrait of the authentic experience of Black girlhood and the transition into womanhood".

[45] The song's lyrical content has also been attributed with influencing female celebrities to pursue motherhood simultaneously with their prosperous careers, with Justin Tinsley of Andscape enlisting tennis player Serena Williams and rapper Cardi B as prime examples.

[46] Several critics have also acknowledged the influence "To Zion" has had on artistry of numerous rappers who achieved mainstream prominence throughout the decades after the song's release.

[26] Vada Nobles stated in 2008 that he believed the drum roll on "To Zion" had inspired the aforementioned "Jesus Walks" (2004) by Kanye West.