BOTE

"But the worth of a boat'S IN how well it floats."

"I was well aware of all the facts / And despite the proof I have now to choose"

Maybe "I continue bearing this lack"? That line's really tough.

Maybe "And here I sit exposed to the tide, Old Ironsides"?

"And when push ALWAYS comes to shove."

"I walk outside an put on"? It's not "set off".