After serving out his apprenticeship to a cabinet-maker, his restless nature came to the fore and he began a long period of roving.
He eagerly assisted in the historical facts presented in "Allan’s Illustrated Edition of Tyneside songs"[3][4] In 1856, Hay had contributed to the Northern Poetic Keepsake together with fellow contributors, Thomas Doubleday, Robert White, L Goodchild, R. Storey, and R. Fisher (who was both contributor and publisher).
William Clark Russell, the popular American nautical novelist, on pages ix and x the preface to his book published in 1883 called "Sailor’s Language,[5] writes Alexander Hay was the carpenter who wrote and gave William Clark Russell the song.
Russell actually printed several verses in the preface to his book, but “stretched the truth a little” as although Hay was brutalised, the use of irons were only threatened.
Later, Alexander Hay attended a public meeting in the London district of Limehouse at which Samuel Plimsoll presided, and he had the honour of reciting “Board of Trade, ahoy !"