The version I like best is called "The Elfin Knight". The chorus at the end of the first line is - Blow, blow, blow winds, blow. And at the end of the second line is - And the wind, it blows my plaid awa'.

The line about drying the shirt goes;
Ye maun dry it on yon hawthorn...
That has ne'er seen blossoms since man was born...
The hawthorn is a member of the rose family and indeed has blossoms on it, which would make drying the shirt in the requested manner, an impossible task.

This version also has the womans response. Her line, after she's listed all the tasks she requires is;
Now gin ye work out a' this work...
Come te me and you'll get your sark!...

The mention of the herbs in the other version does have a special meaning. Certain herbs were said to represent certain human traits or characteristics. Thyme was for femininity or virginity. I'm not sure what the parsley and sage represented. Mentioning them would evoke certain associations for the listeners. Those associations could have come from the earlier use of the herbs in charms, as Leeneia mentioned.

Done well, especially with the womans response, it's a grand song. I like it.

Take care
Timehiker