Force Majeure: When the Unexpected Happens

Business Contracts and Legal Fundamentals · 3:50

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Sarah's software launch was set for May
Servers ready, team had worked all day
Then the earthquake hit, power lines went down
Force majeure saved her when disaster came around
The contract clause she thought she'd never need
Protected both parties from this unforeseeable deed

[Chorus]
Force majeure, when the world falls apart
Unforeseeable, extraordinary from the start
Beyond control, no one could prevent
Natural disasters, wars, or government
Force majeure, it's your safety net
When the unexpected happens, don't forget

[Verse 2]
Three elements make the clause take hold
Unforeseeability, that's the first we're told
External causes, not from either side
Beyond control, though both parties tried
But drafting matters, every single word
Generic language leaves protection blurred

[Chorus]
Force majeure, when the world falls apart
Unforeseeable, extraordinary from the start
Beyond control, no one could prevent
Natural disasters, wars, or government
Force majeure, it's your safety net
When the unexpected happens, don't forget

[Verse 3]
COVID hit in twenty-twenty's spring
Pandemic clauses weren't a standard thing
Some contracts listed plagues and disease
Others failed when courts would disagree
Specific language beats the general rule
When crisis strikes, precision is your tool

[Bridge]
Notice requirements, mitigation too
Time limits matter in what parties do
Can't just claim force majeure and walk away
Must try to minimize the delay
Good faith efforts, document every step
Or lose protection when push comes to shove

[Chorus]
Force majeure, when the world falls apart
Unforeseeable, extraordinary from the start
Beyond control, no one could prevent
Natural disasters, wars, or government
Force majeure, it's your safety net
When the unexpected happens, don't forget

[Outro]
In your contracts, think of what could be
Cyber attacks or regulatory spree
Draft with care, be specific in your scope
Force majeure gives both parties hope
When the unexpected comes to play
Let good drafting save the day

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